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Saturday, June 13, 2009.  Five men have been preparing for many years for this, the day of their Ordination to the Priesthood. Jacob Maurer Bryon Dickey Patrick O'Hogan Todd Strange Gerald Burns Father Jan de Jong is the President-Rector of Sacred Heart Seminary, where four of the five ordinands studied for the priesthood. Father DeJong carries the Sacred Chrism, used in the Ordination Rite. Archbishop Brunett Deacon Loren Lane proclaims the Gospel  photo by Tom Howell The five candidates are called from the assembly.  They stand before the Archbishop as Bishop Elizondo, Vicar for Vocations, speaks about how each has responded to the call to ministry. Each candidate promises respect and obedience to Archbishop Brunett and to his successors.  Photo by Tom Howell The five ordinands prostrate themselves before the altar as the assembly sings the Litany of Saints, asking the intercession of holy men and women down through the ages for these candidates for the priesthood.   The laying on of hands by the Archbishop and the priests is the heart of the Ordination Rite. Father Ryan helps to vest Father Todd Strange in the chasuble for the first time.  The chasuble is the distinctly priestly vestment used only for the celebration of Mass. Archbishop Brunett anoints the hands of the new priests with the Sacred Chrism.  This sacred oil is also used in Baptisms, Confirmations, and the dedication of new altars and churches. The family of the five new priests present the gifts to the Archbishop. "Understand what you do, imitate what you celebrate, and conform your life to the mystery of the Lord's cross." The new priests gather with the altar to pray the Eucharistic Prayer as priests for the first time. At the conclusion of the liturgy, Archbishop Brunett blesses the new priests... Photo by Tom Howell ...and then receives their blessing. The new priests make the sign of the cross over the assembly with the Archbishop. The seminarians of the Archdiocese serve as acolytes during the liturgy of ordination. After Mass, the new priests gather on the altar with the Archbishop for photos. Congratulations to our five new priests, and may God abundantly bless your ministry to God's holy people. Father Todd Strange with Father Ryan after the Mass of Ordination.