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 at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More, and all the faithful are invited to attend. This year's ordinations will also be live-streamed from the Cathedral 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!

Love One Another: 2022 Ordination Recap

Watch the Ordination Recap on our YouTube channel.

Eight new priests!

Bishop Burbidge ordained Fathers Philip D. Briggs, Peter J. Clem, John F. O'Farrell, C. Mauricio Portillo, Robert C. Renner, Daniel S. Reuwer, Daniel A. Rice and Peter J. St. George to the priesthood at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More. Watch the replay of the Mass, download a copy of the program, and see photos from the ceremony. 

CDA Live Stream Mass

Read the article in the Arlington Catholic Herald. 

Philip D. Briggs

Fr. Philip D. Briggs

 

Rev. Mr. Peter J. Clem

Fr. Peter J. Clem

 

Rev. Mr. John F. O'Farrell

Fr. John F. O'Farrell

 

Rev. Mr. Mauricio Portillo

Fr. Mauricio Portillo

 

Rev. Mr. Robert C. Renner

Fr. Robert C. Renner

 

Rev. Mr. Daniel S. Reuwer

Fr. Daniel S. Reuwer

 

Rev. Mr. Daniel A. Rice

Fr. Daniel A. Rice

 

Rev. Mr. Peter J. St. George

Fr. Peter J. St. George

 

Transitional Diaconate Ordination: Saturday April 23, 11 a.m.

Bishop Burbidge ordained Deacons Jonathan Bennett, Andrew Clark, Timothy Courtney, Zinjin Iglesia, Michael Nugent, Luke Poczatek, Charles Wilton and David Witherow to the Transitional Diaconate at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More.

 

Tony Bennett

Rev. Mr. Jonathan Andrew Bennett

 

Andrew William Clark

Rev. Mr. Andrew William Clark

 

Timothy Andrew Courtney

Rev. Mr. Timothy Andrew Courtney

 

Zinjin Iglesia

Rev. Mr. Zinjin Norman Iglesia

 

Michael Thomas Nugent

Rev. Mr. Michael Thomas Nugent

Stanley Joseph Poczatek

Rev. Mr. Stanley Joseph Poczatek, IV

Charles Christian Wilton

Rev. Mr. Charles Christian Wilton

David Cary Witherow

Rev. Mr. David Cary Witherow

 

View the Liturgy

CDA Live Stream Mass

Blank first Mass

Schedule of all First Masses

Come to the "first Mass" (or watch it live-streamed) of one of our newly-ordained priests.

See schedule
Ordination laying of hands new vestments

What happens at an ordination?

The Rites of Ordination to the priesthood and diaconate are rich and meaningful. Read about the different elements.

Learn more
Ordinations 2019 priests FC

Ordination Archives

See coverage and photos from past ordinations.

See coverage
Seminarians MSM March 2022

Stages of Priestly Formation

What does the path to the priesthood look like?

Formation, as the Church understands it, is not equivalent to a secular sense of schooling or, even less, job training. Formation is first and foremost cooperation with the grace of God.

Read more