Ordinations

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 year's ordinations will also 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, their first Masses, and more details on all that goes into these ceremonies. We lift them up in prayer and give thanks to God!

Ordination Events and Coverage

Read the article "Nine new priests" in the Arlington Catholic Herald.

Meet the Ordinandi, and witness the beauty and power of the sacrament of Holy Orders.

Priesthood Ordinations:
On Saturday June 3, Bishop Burbidge ordained Fathers Jonathan Bennett, Andrew Clark, Timothy Courtney, Zinjin Iglesia, Michael Nugent, Luke Poczatek, Charles Wilton and David Witherow to the Priesthood at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Gainesville.

Meet our newest Priests

Rev. Jonathan Andrew Bennett

Rev. Andrew William Clark

Rev. Timothy Andrew Courtney

Rev. Zinjin Norman Iglesia

Rev. Michael Thomas Nugent

Rev. Stanley Joseph Poczatek, IV

Rev. Charles Christian Wilton

Rev. David Cary Witherow

Elder Maldonado ordination 400

Reverend Elder Maldonado was ordained a priest of Jesus Christ by Bishop Michael Burbidge on May 27, 2023, at the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, Italy.

Transitional Diaconate Ordination:
Bishop Burbidge ordained Deacons James Ryan Joseph and Sean-Michael Vincent Nypaver to the transitional diaconate on Saturday April 15, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary of Sorrows Catholic Church. Re-watch the ceremony below. See photos and Herald coverage.