On Memorial Day morning of May 31, 2021, the celebration of Fr. Bill Elser's 35th Ordination Ceremony began with twelve Knights setting out the national flags around the SHJ facilities at 8 a.m. At 8:20, The Patriotic Rosary was led by 5 Knights before Fr. Bill said Mass on the 35th Anniversary of his Ordination. 93 parishioners participated.  



At 4:00 p.m. Fr. Bill celebrated Mass, uniquely con-celebrated by Bishop Taylor, Fr. Stephen Elser, and Fr. Mike Hinken.  Chris Elser (a current seminarian) served.  Bishop Taylor gave a wonderful homily acknowledging the long and faithful service of Fr. Bill in the diocese.  During Mass,  the Grand Knight presented Fr. Bill with a basket filled with Spiritual Bouquets of Masses and prayers contributed to by many Knights and their ladies. 

Leaving altar

Shrine of the Unborn Child

Following Mass, Bishop Taylor led a procession to, and then blessed the newly reworked site of the shrine of the unborn child.  Immediately afterwards, 180 Knights and their ladies, as well as Bishop Taylor, Fr. Steven Elser, Fr. Bill's mother, Ebbie, two of Fr. Bills' brothers, the State Deputy and State Secretary of the Arkansas State Council  attended a banquet at the Xplore Desoto Club to honor our Council Chaplain, Faithful Friar, and Parish Priest, Fr. Bill.  The evening was a wonderful success.

Fr. Bill's Mother