The Rev. Kevin Upham, a Portland native who was ordained as a priest in May, leads his first Christmas Eve Mass on Monday at Peaks Island's St. Christopher Parish.

The Rev. Kevin Upham talks with Peaks Islander and parishioner Barbara Burkholder on the ferry ride to the island Monday for his first Christmas Eve Mass. After the service on Peaks Island, Upham was to lead midnight Mass at St. Louis Parish on Danforth Street in Portland.

The Rev. Kevin Upham prepares for his first Christmas Eve Mass on Monday at Peaks Island's Saint Christopher Parish. He admitted to “a little bit of nervousness,” given the spiritual importance of Christmas, but said he was looking forward to it.

The Rev. Kevin Upham goes over the music for his first Christmas Eve Mass with singer Marie Watson at Saint Christopher Parish on Peaks Island.

The Rev. Kevin Upham, who was ordained as a priest in May, puts on his vestments before his first Christmas Eve Mass, on Monday at Peaks Island's Saint Christopher Parish. He said this has been a year of “firsts” for him.

The Rev. Kevin Upham puts on his vestments before Monday's Christmas Eve Mass at Saint Christopher Parish on Peaks Island. "To be the priest, and to be the presider, is very exciting," he said. "My hope is to be able to bring the message of joy and unconditional love of Christ to people.”

The Rev. Kevin Upham adjusts his microphone before going out for his first Christmas Eve Mass.

The Rev. Kevin Upham walks down aisle toward toward the altar at Saint Christopher Parish at the start of his first Christmas Eve Mass.

The Rev. Kevin Upham approaches the altar to preside over Christmas Eve Mass for the first time.

The Rev. Kevin Upham gives Communion to parishioners Monday at Peaks Island's Saint Christopher Parish during his first Christmas Eve Mass as a priest.