The Mass for Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders marks an
important milestone for seminarians preparing for the priesthood.
Bishop Michael F. Burbidge celebrated the Mass for four
seminarians — Emmanuel Carreño-Garcia, James R. Joseph, Kevin C. Kelly II and
Sean-Michael V. Nypaver — at Our Lady of Hope Church in Potomac Falls July 26.
The Mass for Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders is celebrated
after seminarians finish their philosophy studies (after two or four years
depending on if they graduated college) and as they enter into theology
studies.
The Rite of Admission is a formal recognition by the church that
there are no known impediments to the seminarians’ ordination. It reflects a
commitment by the seminarians — called aspirants at this stage — to prepare
themselves for ministry.
During the rite, Father Michael C. Isenberg, director of
vocations, calls the aspirants by name, each reply “present” and then stand
before the Bishop to make a sign of reverence. The Bishop asks 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?”
