Bishop Michael F. Burbidge celebrated a Mass for Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders for nine seminarians at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Lake Ridge July 24.
The Rite of Admission to Candidacy is celebrated after seminarians finish their philosophy studies and enter into theology studies. It is a formal recognition by the church that there are no known impediments to ordination. It reflects a commitment by the seminarians — called aspirants at this stage — to prepare themselves for ministry.
The aspirants are Timothy Banach, Jordan Evans, Raymond Goins, Andrew Lewandowski, Caleb Magowan, Richard Malebranche, John Meyerhofer, Michael Sampson and Alfredo Tuesta.
Father Michael C. Isenberg, diocesan vocations director, called each man by name. Each replied “present” and stood before the Bishop to make a sign of reverence. The Bishop asked the aspirants a series of questions, including, “Do you resolve yourselves in mind and spirit to give faithful service to Christ the Lord and his body, the church?”
“Candidacy is the formal recognition by the church that you have reached a maturity, joy and serenity in your discernment that coincides with the beginning of the study of theology,” said Father Isenberg. “Candidacy is also the deepening of your configuration to Christ the Shepherd as you begin the next stage of formation. The church affirms the good work that has begun and is calling the men to continue on to the next stage of formation.”
A picnic lunch for the new candidates and their families followed the Mass.
Meet the seminarians
