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
Complete, 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).
Beyond the courses over the years, there are two final requirements. The first is a final paper, which I submitted in February 2026. Its topic was the necessary role of the Church in the formation of conscience. The second requirement was the comprehensive oral exam covering the degree program, which I passed in June 2026. Thus, I have earned a theology degree, the Sacrae Theologiae Baccalaureus (STB).
Call to Orders
Complete, 26 August 2026
The sacrament of Holy Orders involves formation as we strive to conform ourselves to Christ by cooperation with 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.
The Bishop made this "call to orders" to the transitional diaconate on 26 August 2026. Learn more about the pathway to Holy Orders on this linked page.
DIACONATE ORDINATION
Scheduled October 1, 2026
Ordination to the transitional diaconate is scheduled for 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.
The anticipated ordination to the priesthood is anticipated to occur in mid-2028 at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond, VA, USA.
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Laudate Dominum, omnes gentes; collaudate eum, omnes populi. Ps 117:1