New Update On Seminary Journey: Deacon Promises

Not too long ago last month I took the next major step towards ordination! A group other men and I at Saint Meinrad made our public promises to be ordained deacons and committing to the obligations of clerical life in a ceremony swearing on a book of the Gospels and on the altar.

What was also part of the promises were oaths of fidelity to the Catholic faith and to the teaching magisterium of the Church. The oath of faith was promising to remain true to the faith that has been passed down for the salvation of all. The oath to the Church involved promising to remain faithful and obedient to the teaching magisterium. All of these were lifelong promises.

Making the promise of deacon involved writing it by hand and then signing the both the promise and oaths on the altar in front of official witnesses of the Church in the form of seminary leadership. What is also required that I did earlier last month was writing in hand a formal petition to my bishop requesting ordination to the diaconate. All clergy candidates (for the priesthood or permanent deacon) have to take these steps and make these commitments in order to be ordained. Candidates for the priesthood have to do this two separate times. Once before deacon and then before priest.

In taking this step I have made it my definitive intention on becoming a lifelong ordained minister for the People of God in the Diocese of Nashville.

What is next is the call to orders from my bishop.

Pray for me, and know of my prayers for you.