A sacred beginning: first Masses of Fr. Brandon Feikles and Fr. Michael Scanga
By Allison Mosier05/27/2025
ERIE & SHARON -- On Saturday, May 24, the Diocese of Erie was blessed to witness a powerful moment in the life of the church as Fr. Brandon Feikles and Fr. Michael Scanga each celebrated their First Mass of Thanksgiving—one of the most significant traditions following ordination to the priesthood. These Masses, held in their home parishes, were deeply personal, spiritually rich and filled with love, gratitude and reverence.
Fr. Brandon celebrated his First Mass at St. James Parish in Erie, surrounded by family, friends and the faithful who walked with him throughout his vocation journey. The homily was offered by Fr. Larry Richards, who has long been a spiritual mentor to Fr. Brandon. With characteristic joy and lightheartedness, Fr. Larry offered both encouragement and priestly wisdom—reminding Fr. Brandon, and all present, of the great privilege and responsibility of standing in persona Christi. His words were laced with humor, honesty and insight, offering guidance while celebrating the unique gifts Fr. Brandon brings to his priesthood.
Meanwhile, Fr. Michael celebrated his First Mass at St. Joseph Parish in Sharon, where the celebration reflected the warmth and vibrancy of his family’s musical heritage. His father and brother played in a brass quintet during the liturgy, filling the church with music that moved hearts and lifted souls. The beauty of the Mass was matched by the power of the Word, delivered in the homily by Fr. Joe Campbell, a priest who has played a meaningful role in Fr. Michael’s journey.
There is a long-standing tradition in the church that newly ordained priests invite a priest of personal significance—often a mentor, spiritual director or close friend—to preach at their First Mass. This custom adds a deeply personal layer to the celebration, allowing the homilist to speak not only about the meaning of the priesthood but to speak directly to the new priest in a way only someone who knows them well can. Fr. Joe’s presence and his words brought comfort, joy and inspiration, weaving together memories of Fr. Michael’s formation with the hope of his future ministry.
Both priests honored their parents with powerful gestures steeped in tradition. Fr. Brandon and Fr. Michael presented their mothers with the maniturgium, the linen cloth used to wipe the chrism oil from their hands during the ordination rite. According to custom, this cloth is saved and placed in their mother’s hands upon burial—a symbol of their offering of a son to the service of Christ. To their fathers, they gifted the purple stole used during their first confession, signifying the grace of reconciliation and the strength and faith their fathers instilled in them.
Each priest attended the other’s First Mass and assisted during the Liturgy of the Eucharist, standing side by side at the altar as brother priests for the first time. It was a moment filled with awe and gratitude—one that those in attendance will not soon forget.
With hearts full of joy and prayers for the journey ahead, the Diocese of Erie gives thanks for the “yes” of Fr. Brandon and Fr. Michael, and the many lives their ministry will surely touch.
Visit our online photo album to view photos from their Masses.
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