A Public Commitment to Pursue God’s Call

On Sunday, July 26^th, at St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles Parish, I had the privilege of being received as a candidate for Holy Orders. In the Rite of Candidacy, a seminarian stands before the bishop and publicly declares his intention to continue preparing for the priesthood. This ceremony marks an important milestone in priestly formation. It formally acknowledges the Church’s recognition of a seminarian’s vocation and invites the faithful to accompany him through prayer, encouragement, and support as he continues discerning God’s call to ordained ministry. In a few words, I would like to explain this rite and its significance for both the seminarian and the Church.
 
What is candidacy?
The Code of Canon Law explains its importance: “A person aspiring to the diaconate or presbyterate is not to be ordained unless he has first been enrolled among the candidates through the liturgical rite of admission” (Canon 1034). The Rite of Candidacy takes place during Mass. After the homily, the seminarian is called by name and responds, “Present.” He then approaches the bishop, making a sign of reverence with a bow and stands before him.
 
The bishop asks the seminarian two questions: “In response to the Lord’s call, do you resolve to complete your preparation so that, in due time, through Holy Orders, you will be prepared to assume ministry within the Church?” and “Do you resolve to prepare yourself in mind and spirit to give faithful service to Christ the Lord and his Body, the Church?” To each, the seminarian responds, “I do.” This public declaration before the bishop and the faithful expresses the seminarian’s desire to pursue the vocation of the priesthood.
 
Why is it important?
By making this commitment public, the seminarian places his trust in God to pursue this calling. The bishop concludes the examination with the words: “The Church receives your declaration with joy. May God, who has begun the good work in you, bring it to fulfillment.”
 
These encouraging words recall the Lord’s promise to the prophet Jeremiah: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you: before you were born, I set you apart.” God calls certain men to serve Him and His Church as priests. The Rite recognizes this calling and encourages the seminarian to continue his formation. The faithful play an essential role in this ceremony. Their presence reminds the seminarian not only of their support but also that his future ministry will be to represent Christ and shepherd the people entrusted to him. Although the Rite of Candidacy does not confer the responsibilities of Holy Orders, it is an important step in seminary formation, affirming the seminarian’s desire to be more closely configured to Christ the Good Shepherd. 
 
Please continue to pray for my brother seminarians and me as we continue to discern God’s will. May God continue to bless our diocese with more men willing to respond to this call. May God’s love and peace always remain with you!