Fr. Mark Mason reflects on a half century of priesthood

ENID – Inside the doors of Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Enid stands Father Mark Mason, greeting parishioners with an inviting smile and an outstretched arm readily presenting a friendly handshake.

It’s all too familiar with Father Mason, an Enid native and a 1967 graduate of Saint Joseph Catholic School, which is attached to Saint Francis Xavier. It’s a little extra special these days, too, with Father Mason celebrating his 50th year of priesthood.

For the past seven years, Father Mason has been leading two Catholic congregations in Enid: Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church and Saint Gregory the Great Catholic Church.  Five decades in the same profession is something to be celebrated. But 50 years of priesthood is a monument of faith that stretches over generations.

“Having attended and graduated from Saint Joe’s, not only do I have the pleasure of still having classmates that I see at Mass or in the community, but the luxury of time has afforded me to know their kids and grandchildren that have and are attending our school or go to either Saint Francis or Saint Greg’s,” Father Mason said.

Father Mason first realized priesthood was his calling as a young boy attending Catholic school and growing up in a strong Catholic household.

Priests were welcome – and esteemed – in his home, “Particularly by my mother,” Father Mason said.

There was a draw to a deeper faith, too, in serving Mass and in his Christian formation through the Sisters of Divine Providence at Saint Joseph School and Memorial High School in Enid.

“I remember reading a story in the fifth grade about Saint John Vianney, who heard confessions many hours a day, and was impressed with his conviction on the importance of confession,” Father Mason said. “I was so impressed, I was confirmed under his name and began considering priesthood.

“He of course is the Patron Saint of all priests. My journey towards a vocation began then.”

Father Mason said he has witnessed many changes in the Church over the past 50 years, some troublesome.

“Some changes include Mass in the vernacular, and the demographic of the church,” he said. “There is an aging Anglo population, and the family has been diminished among all populations.

“The most alarming changes are that there is a wider chasm among Christian churches in general, that Atheism, secular humanism and materialism have impacted society and have pulled away many from the Christian faith, and that there is a cafeteria approach among many Catholics who pick and choose what to believe out of convenience. 

“This has diminished the belief, for instance, in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, the role of Mary in salvation, the importance of obedient faith in and obedient love for God in securing our own salvation.

“Many want God to cooperate with them, rather than them cooperating with God.” 

Still, Father Mason won’t be discouraged. Instead, he sees light on the horizon.

“The good news is young people who are faithful to the Church are returning to the bedrock values and teachings,” he said. “I see this in my own family – three of my great nieces and nephews have earned bachelor’s degrees in theology, and a fourth is pursuing one.

“The expansion of the lectionary to a three-year cycle, and typological approach to biblical studies gives a wonderful foundation to ecclesial, sacramental and moral theology. The screening and formation of seminarians have changed drastically since I entered 57 years ago. The younger men seem well grounded in faith, in purpose, and in vocation. I'm totally impressed!”

Father Mason counts many moments that have been impactful through his life in ministry. The people he has encountered are at the center of them.

“Every place I have been, most people I have met and many events I have experienced have been transformative,” he said. “They have strengthened and renewed my relationship with God and my commitment to serve in his Church.

“I have become a better person through my encounters with people God has placed before me and who have invited me to share in both their joy and their sorrow. Their personal faith and stamina in overcoming very difficult events encourages me to live more fully the gift of faith granted to me by God. Being a Retrouvaille priest, and spending weekends with couples working to heal their marriage is always a source of renewal and revitalization of my own vocation.

“There is much joy in being a parish priest and meeting the world that comes to me each day.”

And Father Mason encourages future priests with an idea to consider: turn to scripture.

“Do not be afraid,” he said, “keep your eyes on the prize; love both the Lord and his Church, for they cannot be separated; do what he sets before you.” 

Joanna Borelli is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.


Photo: Fr. Mark Mason baptized a parishioner in 2023 at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church in Enid. Photo Theresa Bragg/Sooner Catholic.