Come to the Ordinations

The first few pews may be reserved for the immediate family of the men being ordained and also additional deacons. They will typically be marked with a "Reserved" sign. There is no other reserved seating in the main cathedral besides this, so please arrive early ​if you ​want to sit ​near the front or fit a large group in one pew. 

No, the Ordinations are public, so all are welcome to attend, even if you don't know a seminarian or the men being ordained. It's a great way to meet our seminarians though if you haven't already. This liturgy is very powerful and beautiful and can help men considering the priesthood to take the next step towards becoming a seminarian. If you're considering the priesthood (or no someone who is or might be), please attend (or invite someone to attend) one or both of these liturgies with an open heart.

Everyone! Yes, all are welcome to attend the ordination. Please instruct any non-Catholics to not receive the Eucharist according to Church teaching, see the USCCB website for more details. All are welcome to come forward during the communion procession for a blessing by crossing their arms over their chest.

Typically between 2 and 2.5 hours. The choir will often sing starting at 2:45 pm EDT.

Yes, all are welcome to attend the reception that follows. There are light refreshments, often mini pasties, fruits, veggies, cheese and crackers, and cake are served. There will also be time to talk to the newly ordained men and receive a blessing from them.

There are multiple reasons you should consider coming to an Ordination Mass. If you are a friend or family member of one of the men being ordained, attending the Ordination is a great way to support him. As a member of this diocese, it's a great way to support and pray for the men who might one day serve your parish. The liturgy itself is also one of the most beautiful liturgies to witness and can have a deep spiritual impact with its ritual symbolism of the love God has for His Church through the priesthood. If you're considering the priesthood, this is a great liturgy to attend to witness the promises a man takes to become a priest and ask the Lord if He's calling you to serve in this capacity. 

The Order of Deacon is the first stage in Holy Orders. During the Diaconate Ordination, the man receives the Book of the Gospels, takes the promise of celibacy, and is vested in the deacon's stole and dalmatic. Deacons proclaim the Gospel, preach, and assist the priest at Mass. They can baptize, witness marriages, and conduct funeral services/wakes. They also can lead the faithful in prayer including giving blessings. They also are charged with coordinating charitable activities, identifying needs, using the Church's resources to meet those needs and eliminating injustices (more info).

The Order of Priest is the second stage in Holy Orders. During the Priestly Ordination, the man receives the chalice and patent, his hands are consecrated with Sacred Chrism oil, he takes the promise of obedience to his bishop, and he is vested with the priest's stole and chasuble. Priests share in the ministry of the Bishop and lead the people in their parishes, celebrate Mass, hear Confessions and administer absolution, and perform Anointing of the sick. All priests are first ordained deacons, so they still have the responsibilities of the deacon as priests.

Please consider visiting other Catholic sites in the area:

• Bishop Baraga Chapel - Pray at Bishop Baraga's tomb, submit a prayer request, and enjoy the beautiful stained glass window. Located on the front right side of the Cathedral (West side) at 311 W Baraga Ave, Marquette, MI 49855. Direct access through Marian garden near main parking lot (next to garages).
• The Blessed Sacrament Chapel - Pray for the men being ordained or spend time in the silence face to face with the Lord. Located on the front left side of the Cathedral (East Side) (address above). Direct access through side door on 4th St.
  
• Baraga Educational Center and Museum - Tour Bishop Baraga's house with artifacts from his life. Staff will be able to answer questions. There is also a gift shop. Open noon to 3 pm EDT on the Ordination days (typically noon to 5 pm on weekdays). Located a few blocks from the Cathedral at 615 S. Fourth St., Marquette, MI 49855. More information can be found on their website. 
• Baraga House Prayer Gardens and Votive House - Spend time in the beautiful prayer garden outside the Baraga House located at 615 S. Fourth St., Marquette, MI 49855. Open during the day time. More information on the Bishop Baraga Association's website.
• Father Marquette Park and Statue - Visit the statue of Fr. Jacques Marquette and learn more about this missionary priest that gives the city it's name. Located in the Father Marquette Park on the corner of S. Front St. and E. Baraga Ave. Maps.
• Sacred Heart Religious Store - A good Catholic store with many good books and religious items. Open on weekdays from 11 am to 5 pm (hours may be different on the days of the Ordinations) and on Saturday from 10 am to 3:30 pm EDT. Located at 419 W. Washington St., Marquette, MI 49855. Facebook page here.

The diocese will be livestreaming both liturgies on YouTube and Facebook. Livestream video will also be available on the diocesan website on the Livestream page. Please look on their pages on the day of the Ordinations for the feed. Videos will be uploaded to YouTube afterwards and links will be posted to this site shortly after the Ordinations. Also, links to Flickr albums like in the archives below will be linked to this page later.