Ordination Celebration

When an alumnus 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 school should rejoice. His ordination provides an opportunity for the community to affirm the man’s “Yes” to his vocation call and to celebrate together.

A newly ordained priest’s home parish typically offers a Mass of Thanksgiving, which is one of his first celebrations as the presider of the Holy Mass. This can also be planned for his former Catholic grade school or high school. After Mass, a reception provides time for fellowship and for students and teachers, who may have taught that student, to receive a First Blessing from the priest. This event allows everyone the opportunity to experience first-hand the joy of an ordination to the priesthood.