Called to Candidacy!

I received a call from my bishop this morning informing me that I have been called to Candidacy for Holy Orders. I will be admitted along with the rest of my class on November 4th at St. Charles Borromeo seminary in Philadelphia. It is the first official step towards the priesthood, which hopefully will follow in about three years. Please pray for all of us!

"The rite of admission is celebrated when is has been established that the intention of those aspiring to Holy Orders is supported by the necessary qualifications and has achieved sufficient maturity. The intention of receiving Holy Orders is to be expressed publicly by the aspirants. The Bishop or the Major Superior of a clerical religious institute, or his delegate, publicly accepts the aspirants' intention."

These photos are from last year's Mass for Admission to Candidacy at St. Charles seminary in Philadelphia:

Bishop:
My children, the pastors and teachers in charge of your formation, and others who know you, have given a favorable account of you, and we have full confidence in their testimony. In response to the Lord's call, are you resolved to complete your preparation so that in due time you will be ready to be ordained for the ministry of the Church?

R/ I am.

Bishop:
Are you resolved to prepare yourselves in mind, heart, and spirit to give faithful and compassionate service to Christ the Lord and his body, the Church?

R/ I am.

Bishop:
The Church receives your declaration with joy. May God who has begun the good work in you bring it to fulfillment.

All: Amen

"Be attentive, Lord, to our prayers for your sons,

who wish to dedicate themselves to your service

and the service of your people in the sacred ministry;

in your love, graciously bless + them,

that they may persevere in their vocation,

and that, in holding fast with undivided charity to

Christ the Priest,

that they may be worthy to take up the apostolic mission.

Through Christ our Lord."