Sacrifice and promise

By Anne-Marie Welsh
03/03/2025

The first thing to know about the chalice of Father Jamie Power, pastor of St. Joseph Parish and St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Sharon, is that he doesn’t use it every day.

Father Jamie Power with the chalice he received as
a gift for his ordination in 2016.

“For the most part, I use the chalices that belong to the parish where I am serving,” he says. “I think that’s the case for most priests. Even when I’m visiting a different parish, using one of their chalices is a nice way to be connected to that community.”

But for the important feast days of Christmas and Easter, or for personal days of significance such as the anniversary of his ordination ,(June 10), he very much enjoys using his own.

Father Power received his chalice as a gift from his Uncle Dr. John and Aunt Bridget Barber. Dr. John Barber is his godfather. The gesture was not a surprise; Father Power was involved in its selection. The chalice was originally gifted to St. Mary Church on East Ninth Street in Erie. In fact, an engraving on the bottom indicates it was given to the church by the St. Benedict Society in 1913.

“I’m a student of history,” Father Power says. “Why have a chalice made, when there are plenty of good old ones available?” he asks. “I think it’s neat that it has now been used for 111 years.”

The Barbers added to the engraving under the chalice, including Father Power’s name and ordination date, as well as a dedication in memory of his deceased paternal grandparents, Richard and Maureen Power, and his maternal grandfather, James Pace.

Father Power’s maternal grandmother just celebrated her 91st birthday. While always praying for the intention of the person for whom each Mass is celebrated, Father Power acknowledges that the names of his grandparents are always in his heart during the Eucharistic Prayer when all are asked to remember those who have gone before us.

In addition to a few gemstones, the chalice has two panels featuring the instruments of the passion: nails, the crown of thorns, a hammer and pliers. The initials AM can be found near the top of the chalice, honoring the Blessed Mother by referencing the Ave Maria. It also features the Chi Rho symbol for Christ and IHS, representing the holy name of Jesus.

“It’s a beautiful chalice,” says Father Power. “And of course the most important thing I keep in mind when I use it, is giving reverence to what I am handling, the Blessed Sacrament.”