Bishop William Murphy assigned newly ordained priest Father Henry Reid, 37, to Holy Family parish in Hicksville, effective June 10, 2006.

After graduating from Comsewogue High School in 1987, Father Reid attended Suffolk Community College in Selden. A self-proclaimed "gypsy," he lived from coast to coast and dabbled in such occupations as construction, bartending and chauffeuring. He even worked as a bouncer in the late '80s.

In 1997, Father Reid earned a master's degree in European history from SUNY Albany. In his travels, Father Reid did post-graduate research work at Queen's University in Belfast, Ireland. Living in a predominantly Catholic area, he saw how dangerous it was for parishioners to attend Mass. The experience inspired him to consider his own faith and the notion of priesthood.

When he returned to the United States, Father Reid taught history at Suffolk Community College before entering Cathedral Seminary Residence in Douglaston for pre-theology. In 2006, he earned a master's degree in divinity from the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington.

Father Reid's pastoral year was spent at St. Bernard's in Levittown and his deaconate assignment was completed at Holy Name of Mary in Valley Stream. He has spent about seven years working with juvenile delinquents and youth in crisis.

"Already I've heard people say he's very energetic, full of life and has a wining smile," said Father Jim Mannion, pastor of Holy Family parish. "His passion for youth...will be a gift to this parish."

After the June 10 ordination Mass, Father Reid joined Father Khoa Lê, another newly ordained priest, and Bishop Murphy, to concelebrate Mass at the Eucharistic Congress youth event at Holy Trinity Diocesan High School.

Father Reid said his first few weeks as a priest have been great. "I'm already in love with the parish," he said. "I love the idea that I'm finally able to be here for them and with them."