November 3, 2010 // Local

Father Sneyd celebrates 40th jubilee

Todays Catholic

Friends and brother priests of Father Derrick Sneyd, pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish, Auburn, celebrated his 40th anniversary to the ordination of priesthood on Sunday, Oct. 24. Bishop-emeritus John M. D’Arcy was the homilist at the Mass. A reception followed at the parish.

AUBURN — Father Derrick Sneyd, pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Auburn, celebrated his 40th anniversary as a priest at a 3 p.m. Mass and then a reception on Oct. 24.

Father Sneyd was born in India in 1945. He has served the pastoral needs of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend for 38 of his 40 years as a priest.

When Father Sneyd came to the diocese in 1972 he was perhaps the youngest active priest at the time — 27. Now at 65, he is pleased to have served the people of God under four bishops — Bishop Leo Pursley, Bishop William McManus, Bishop John M. D’Arcy and Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades.

Bishop-emeritus John D’Arcy preached the homily at the anniversary Mass and recalled his association with Father Derrick for the past 25 years. Bishop D’Arcy had gracious words of appreciation for Father Sneyd’s ministry and his personal loyalty to the Office of Bishop in the many assignments he was given over the years.

Father Sneyd expressed his deep regard for his staff and the many parishioners who pooled their time and talent to make the celebrations memorable for the community. Tom and Pat Dendinger chaired the open house reception. Carol Dettmer, coordinator of music ministry, together with Tom Laverghetta and Carol Foley, planned the liturgical music that included the many talented high school students who were instrumentalists.

The Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus were included in the thank-you’s for gracing the occasion with their presence and participation.