Diaconal and Presbyteral ordination

The Major Seminary St. Catherine of Siena is under the canonical and ecclesiastical aegis of the Thanksgiving Church of Great Spirit and under the academic direction of GEA University of San Marco. 

We indicate below the steps for diaconal and presbyteral ordination, open to people of all genders.


Stages of Diaconal and Priestly Ordination

Objective: To provide a gradual spiritual, liturgical, doctrinal, and pastoral preparation for the diaconate and presbyterate ordination.


1. Admission among the Candidates for Holy Orders

When: At the end of the 4th year of seminary (beginning of the theological cycle).

Requirements:

  • Vocational discernment.
  • Human, spiritual, and community maturity.
  • Letter of request to the Bishop.
  • Approval from the formation team. 
  • Seminary: Major Seminary St. Catherine of Siena
  • Rite: Public celebration with the delivery of the cassock.
  • Rite type: depending the student's Christian vocational calling.

2. Ministry of Lectorship.

When: During the 5th year.

Requirements:

  • Progress in the study of Scripture.
  • Ability in liturgical proclamation.
  • Faithful spiritual life and coherence of life. 
  • Role: Proclamation of the Word of God in the liturgy.
  • Preparation of the faithful to receive the sacraments.

3.  Minister of the Acolytate

When:  During the 6th year.

Requirements:

  • Knowledge and love for the Eucharist.
  • Constant liturgical service. 
  • Function: Service at the altar and distribution of Communion.
  • Care and purification of liturgical furnishings.

4. Diaconal Ordination

When: Alla fine del 6º anno.

Requirements:

  • Completion of the theological and pastoral cycle.
  • Favorable opinion from the formation team.
  • Psycho-affective suitability and ecclesial testimony.
  • Skills:  Preaching the Word.
  • Administration of Baptism and assistance at Marriage.
  • Presiding over funerals. 
  • Training: Intensive course of preparation for the diaconal ministry.
  • Spiritual retreat immediately preceding the ordination.

5. Presbyteral Ordination

When: After at least six months / one year of diaconate.  

Requirements:

  • Verification of pastoral experience as a deacon.
  • Recognition of the definitive call to the priesthood.
  • Letter of request to the Bishop. 
  • Preparation:
  • Spiritual retreat for ordinands.
  • Submission of the final theological thesis.
  • Ministry:
  • Celebration of the Eucharist.
  • Administration of all sacraments (except for Ordination and Confirmation without mandate).
  • Pastoral guidance of ecclesial communities.

Note:

  • Each stage is accompanied by personal and communal discernment.
  • Each rite is celebrated according to the rituals approved by the Church.
  • Presbyteral ordination represents the culmination of the formative journey and full entry into the priestly ministry in service of the People of God.