Ordinations to the Priesthood and Transitional Diaconate

The ordination of men to the priesthood and diaconate is a very exciting event 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 normally invited to attend. This year's ordinations are by invitation only, but they will 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 path 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 2021

Priesthood Ordination: Saturday June 5, 11:00 a.m.

Bishop Burbidge ordained Reverend Jonathan Fioramonti, Reverend John Paul Heisler, Reverend Jonathan Smith and Reverend Joe Townsend to the priesthood at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More on Saturday, June 5, 2021.

Download the program for the liturgy.

CDA Live Stream Mass

Meet our new Priests

Reverend Mr. Jonathan Fioramonti

Fr. Jonathan Fioramonti

All Saints Parish 

Reverend Mr. John Paul Heisler

Fr. John Paul Heisler

St. John the Baptist Parish 

Reverend Mr. Jonathan Smith

Fr. Jonathan Smith

Basilica of St. Mary Parish 

Reverend Mr. Joe Townsend

Fr. Joe Townsend

St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish 

Transitional Diaconate Ordination: Saturday April 10, 11:00 a.m.

Bishop Burbidge ordained Deacons Philip D. Briggs, Peter J. Clem, John F. O'Farrell, Robert C. Renner, Daniel S. Reuwer, Daniel A. Rice and Peter J. St. George to the Transitional Diaconate at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More.

Watch the recording below.

See the Arlington Catholic Herald Coverage.

Download the program for the liturgy.

CDA Live Stream Mass

Meet our new Deacons

Philip D. Briggs

Rev. Mr. Philip D. Briggs

St. John the Baptist Parish

Peter J. Clem, YA

Rev. Mr. Peter J. Clem, YA

All Saints Parish 

John F. O'Farrell

Rev. Mr. John F. O'Farrell

The Basilica of St. Mary Parish 

Robert C. Renner

Rev. Mr. Robert C. Renner

Holy Spirit Parish 

Daniel S. Reuwer

Rev. Mr. Daniel S. Reuwer

St. William of York Parish

Daniel A. Rice

Rev. Mr. Daniel A. Rice

St. Timothy Parish 

Peter J. St. George

Rev. Mr. Peter J. St. George

St. Theresa Parish

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
StCharles sems FrKoehr

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