Accompanied by the soaring strains of “Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty,” five diocesan seminarians — Andrew Joseph D’Andrea, Frederick Gabriel Gaudet, John Luke Helbling, Paul Hou Rhee and Teko Galey Teko-Agbo — processed into St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Lake Ridge Aug. 12, for the Mass for Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders.
They came to make a public declaration to Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of their desire to devote themselves to service of God and others in Holy Orders by completing their studies for priestly ordination. Seminarians first study philosophy for two to four years, depending upon previous college experience. After their admission to candidacy, they begin their four years of theology studies.
“In the political world, candidates come forward as individuals — and they present themselves for elected office,” Bishop Burbidge said in his homily. “And in the process, they tell us of all their gifts, and talents, and accomplishments, and what they are going to do for us.”
That is not, however, the way of the priestly aspirant.
“Paul and Gabe, and Andrew, Luke and Teko — as you come forward today for admission to candidacy for Holy Orders, you’re a different type of candidate,” Bishop Burbidge explained. “You do not present yourself. You know it is the Lord who has chosen you.”
Each man is called to serve the Lord and his church, the body of Christ, Bishop Burbidge said. He described the remainder of their studies as an exciting time, asking them to be open to both the blessings and surprises God will bestow.
“Remember, your studies are not just about book knowledge,” Bishop Burbidge said. “I hope you will learn and discover new and exciting ways to bring the truth in the faith we profess to God’s people — especially in this challenging and unsettling time in our world.”
Jesus’ call to them is clear, said Bishop Burbidge, referring to Mark 10:28-31.
“He told you, in the Gospel today, what he expects of you — no one, no thing, can have priority over your call to discipleship. So, in the midst of your academic responsibilities and obligations, your spiritual life must be your highest priority.”
As Father Michael C. Isenberg, diocesan vocations director, called each man by name, they individually responded “present” and stood before Bishop Burbidge, promising to finish their preparation while forming both their hearts and minds to eventually render faithful service.
“The church receives your resolve with joy,” said Bishop Burbidge. “May God who has begun the good work in you bring it to fulfillment.”
“It means a lot to be taking this step, and to have the official recommendation by Father Isenberg and the actual acceptance of Bishop Burbidge to enter into theology, and to keep moving forward,” said Helbling after Mass. “Obviously, this is one of the big steps, which is exciting.”
Serra Club of Arlington members — lay Catholics who pray for vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life — attended the Mass.
“I’m just so grateful for the people of the Diocese of Arlington, because those prayers, you can truly feel them,” said D’Andrea.
At a picnic lunch in Seton Hall after Mass, Helbling’s mother, Kelli, who attends St. Patrick Church in Fredericksburg, said, “It’s just special to have him be at this milestone — it seems so fast; it seems like it got here so quickly.”
Helbling began to consider the priesthood following his first of two years as a FOCUS missionary after college graduation.
Asked if she ever imagined her son as a priest, Kelli said she did not — “until he told me he was thinking about it. And then it started making sense.”
Years ago, an end-of-summer picnic gathered seminarians and their families with the bishop in celebration of the new academic year.
“Starting with the new Program for Priestly Formation, Rome asked that candidacy be given as men enter theology,” said Father Isenberg. “Candidacy is the church affirming a call to the priesthood that she sees within this man — and the church responds to this call by inviting him to begin studying theology.”
The large number of diocesan vocations is the result of “prayer, good families, and the good and joyful example of our priests,” he said.
Reflecting on the Mass, Bishop Burbidge said, “I not only accepted their resolve with great joy, but with confidence. These are very, very fine men — and I know that they’re going to give their very best as they prepare, God willing, one day to be priests serving our diocese.”
Heatherington is a freelancer in Alexandria.
