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Three young men ordained to the priesthood
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June 20, 2023A packed cathedral, festive music, more than 70 priests were concelebrating. And in the center of it all, three young deacons who prepared for years for this day – to be ordained to the priesthood, answering a call that each one of them felt in a personal way.
The beautiful rite, filled with symbols and meaning, began at 10 am in the Corpus Christi Cathedral. Deacons Raymond Pendleton, Thomas Swierc and David Snow, a member of the Society of our Lady of the Most
Holy Trinity (SOLT), joined their families in the pews and were called by name to come forward.
They gave their yes, “to be trustworthy co-workers with the Order of Bishops, in feeding the Lord’s flock,” and answered the bishop’s questions, “Do you solve to be united more closely each day to Christ, the High Priest … and with him to consecrate yourselves to God for the salvation of all?” with “I do, with the help of God.”
After the Gospel reading where Jesus asked Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” (Jn 21:15), Bishop Michael Mulvey told the candidates to “be another Christ, confirm your mind and your heart to the mind and the heart of Christ.” Being a priest “is a sacred work” which requires self-knowledge and humility. He gave the advice to hold on to Saint Catherine of Siena’s prayer, “I am nothing; you are everything,” when administering the sacraments.
The second piece of advice he gave originated from Saint Paul, who wrote to the Corinthians, “For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1 Cor 2:2). “Our mission is in the cross, not in the glories,” so Bishop Mulvey. It is the mission of Jesus Christ himself.” To stay faithful, he recommended they encounter the poor, value silence and seek communion.
After the litany, where the three candidates prostrated themselves in front of the altar, the bishop laid hands on them one by one, followed by all the priests present doing the same.
Then the palms of the newly ordained priests were anointed with Chrism. They received their priestly vestments and were welcomed in a fraternal embrace by each priest present. Finally, they turned to the faithful with radiant smiles. The people in the pews stood up and applauded for minutes.
It was followed by the very first Mass that Father Raymond, Father Thomas and Father David concelebrated with all the priests, giving communion to their families. At the end of the mass, the two Diocesan priests received their first assignment: Father Thomas Swierc as Parochial Vicar at St. Philip the Apostle in Corpus Christi and Father Raymond Pendleton as Priest in Residence at the Cathedral over the summer while continuing his studies in Canon Law in Rome in the Fall.
To watch the ordination click here.
