Key Steps to Ordination

Pre-Theology

Complete, 2021-2023
Once accepted as a seminarian for the Diocese of Richmond, I began formation for the priesthood and study (philosophy and basic theology) at Theological College and the Catholic University of America in Washington DC.

I was instituted into the ministries of Lector and Acolyte during my time here.

Theology Degree

Completion expected June 2026
The Bishop chose to send me to the Pontifical North American College (PNAC) in Rome for priestly formation, with theological study at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum).

In June 2026, I will take a comprehensive oral exam. Upon successful completion of all degree requirements, I will earn my theology degree, a Sacrae Theologiae Baccalaureus (STB).

Call to Orders

Anticipated Late Summer 2026
The sacrament of Holy Orders involves formation as we strive to conform ourselves to Christ by his grace. Importantly, Holy Orders always involves a call, firstly from God but also confirmed by the Bishop who is responsible for the care of all souls in the diocese.

I anticipate the Bishop deciding on this "call to order" to the transitional diaconate by early September 2026. Learn more about the pathway to Holy Orders on this linked page.

DIACONATE ORDINATION

Anticipated October 1, 2026
Assuming the Bishop calls me to the sacrament of order, ordination to the transitional diaconate will be October 1.

Since I am being formed to be a priest, ordination to the order of deacon is the first ordination on the pathway towards anticipated ordination to the priesthood.

Continued Formation

2026 - 2028
Following the anticipated ordination to the order of deacon, I will begin several months of pastoral work in the Diocese of Richmond. This will continue through Summer 2027.

Then, I will return to Rome and the seminary (the PNAC) to continue formation for the priesthood and begin a new degree at one of the universities in Rome.

Priesthood Ordination

Anticipated 2028
Following that period of continued formation, the Formation Faculty at the seminary will evaluate me and provide a recommendation to the Bishop, who will then decide whether to call me to the order of the priest.

If he does, the anticipated ordination to the priesthood would be in mid-2028 at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond, VA, USA.