Ordination Reception

When a parishioner discerns and enters the seminary, a celebration is in order. When he is ordained to the priesthood, after years of prayer and study, the whole parish should rejoice. His ordination pro­vides an opportunity for the local church community to affirm the young man’s “Yes” to his vocation call, and the chance to celebrate together.

A newly ordained priest’s home parish typically has a Mass of Thanksgiving, which is one of his first celebrations of the Holy Mass as the presider. After that Mass, a reception provides time for parishioners to receive a First Blessing from the priest and fellowship. The event al­lows parishioners the opportunity to experience first-hand the joy of an ordination to the priesthood.