It didn't take long for the significance of Sunday's celebration to sink in for the Rev. Michael Ahrensfield, of SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Lehighton.

Soon after the 11 a.m. Mass concluded, the man who will celebrate his 35th anniversary of becoming an ordained priest next week was shaking colorful maracas in step with a mariachi band inside the church's school hall.Although Ahrensfield's anniversary isn't officially until May 10, the church coupled that commemoration with a Cinco de Mayo event Sunday, complete with chicken fajitas, tacos, pork sandwiches, fried ice cream and more.For the kids, bean bag and piñata games were set up at the back of the hall.During Mass, Ahrensfield reflected on his moment, which took place with his mother in attendance."It's a special day," he said, following his homily. "I've been blessed to have this opportunity at a time when the Catholic church needs priests more than ever. I thank God and pray that I continue to have the opportunity to spread his word to the people."Following the Eucharist, SS. Peter and Paul parishioners set up a video screen near the front of the altar and surprised Ahrensfield with a slide show of pictures from his past."Very special memories," he said, as photo after photo scanned past."Some even when I had hair."Ahrensfield was assigned SS. Peter and Paul pastor in 2008, when the Diocese of Allentown instituted a major diocesanwide restructuring plan.He had previously served as an assistant at the parish and more recently as pastor at Immaculate Conception in Tremont and SS. Peter and Paul in Tower City.