Four young men are ordained to the priesthood.  From left, Nick Wichert, Joe Altenhofen, Matt Oakland, and Francisco Cancino.  They have been preparing for many years for this day.




The Mass of Ordination is a joyful celebration not only for those to be ordained and their families and friends, but for the whole Church they commit themselves to serve.


The celebration begins with the Sprinkling Rite, a reminder of our baptism, the sacrament in which the grace of ordination is rooted.




The Cathedral Choir, Cathedral Brass, organs and timpani accompany the Church's solemn rites of ordination with splendid music.


Stacey Sunde sings Psalm 40:  "You do not ask for sacrifice and offering, but an open ear.  You do not ask for holocaust and victim; instead, here am I!"


Seminarians of the Archdiocese of Seattle lead Deacon Rob Rensel to the ambo for the proclamation of the Gospel.


Archbishop Brunett, Bishop Tyson, and Bishop Elizondo listen to the Gospel reading.






Following the Gospel reading, the candidates are called forth from the assembly.  Each responds with heart and voice:  "Present!"


Bishop Eusebio Elizondo introduces the candidates to the people, and speaks of their preparation.  "They have been found worthy."


Archbishop Brunett speaks to those called to ordination about the priestly call to humble service of the holy people of God.


Following the homily, the candidates kneel before the Archbishop, promising obedience to him and to his successors.


One of the most solemn moments of the Rite of Ordination comes when the candidates prostrate themselves before the altar, and the entire assembly kneels and prays the Litany of the Saints, calling down the prayers of all the holy men and women of every time and place upon those chosen for ordination.
 

The laying on of hands is the heart of the ordination rite.  "I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands," wrote St. Paul to Timothy (2 Timothy 1:6).


After the Archbishop lays hands on each candidate, all the priests present lay hands on them as well.




The prayer of ordination.




After the prayer of ordination, the candidates are vested in the priestly garment, the chasuble, for the first time.  Each new priest is vested by brother priests--friends and mentors who have helped to guide them to this day.


The hands of the new priests are anointed with Sacred Chrism.


Family members of the four newly-ordained priests present the gifts.


"Understand what you do, imitate the mystery you celebrate, conform your life to the mystery of the Lord's cross."


The sign of peace is one of the most ancient of Christian gestures.  All the priests present exchange a sign of peace with the newly-ordained.


On this beautiful Seattle day, a beam of light from the oculus singles out the newly ordained priests, who have taken their place in the presbyterium with the other priests.


The new priests join the Archbishop at the altar, celebrating the Eucharist for the first time as priests.




A moving moment at the conclusion of the Ordination liturgy:  the Archbishop kneels before the new priests and receives their blessing.


The new priests join the Archbishop in blessing the assembly.


Congratulations to Father Altenhofen, Father Cancino, Father Oakland, and Father Wichert!  May the joy and grace of this day remain with you forever as you begin your ministry of service to the people of God.


Everyone with a camera crowds around for the photos at the end of the Mass!