Ordinations to the Priesthood and Transitional Diaconate
The ordination of men to the priesthood and diaconate are very exciting events for our diocese. Properly called Holy Orders, ordination is the means by which a Catholic baptized male becomes a deacon, priest or bishop. Every year the Diocese of Arlington celebrates Masses of Ordination to the priesthood, the transitional diaconate (seminarians en route to priesthood) and permanent diaconate, and all the faithful are invited to attend. This event will be live-streamed so all can participate.
We the faithful celebrate these ordinations because these new priests and deacons make Christ present and the sacraments more available. The ordinations show us that the Holy Spirit is working in the hearts and minds of the people of the diocese, stirring up in men's hearts the desire to follow and imitate Christ. An ordination may mark the end of formation, but it is also the beginning of life as a priest or deacon: a life of generous service to the faithful of the diocese.
Learn more below about the candidates for ordination, the paths they've followed to this point, as well as all that goes into these ceremonies. Come join in these celebrations (at least virtually) and give thanks to God!
Ordination Events and Coverage
Transitional Diaconate Ordination: Saturday April 6, 11 a.m., St. Theresa Catholic Church
Bishop Burbidge will ordain 12 men to the transitional diaconate (read more about them below). All are welcome to witness this important step in their formation as future priests of our diocese (livestream link will be accessible from this page).
Priesthood Ordination: Saturday June 1, 11 a.m., Holy Trinity Catholic Church
Witness the beauty and power of the sacrament of Holy Orders as Bishop Burbidge will ordain deacon seminarians to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ. More details to come.
Meet our soon-to-be-ordained Deacons
St. Charles Borromeo Parish
St. John Bosco Parish
St. Rita Parish
St. John the Evangelist Parish
St. Louis Parish/Diocese of Kumbo
St. Joseph Parish, Herndon
St. Francis de Sales, Purcellville
St. Katharine Drexel Mission
Our Lady of Hope Parish
St. Andrew the Apostle Parish
St. Charles Borromeo Parish
St. Louis Parish
Meet our Current Seminarian Deacons
St. Agnes Parish
St. John the Baptist Parish
More information about ordinations
View the ordination recap from 2023