Rite of Candidacy
Saturday evening, we as a group were notified by the Vicar for Clergy, that Archbishop Brunett has received and accepted all of our petitions for Candidacy. This is an important step for us on our journey toward ordination as a Roman Catholic Deacon.
As a recap, last year was termed, our Aspirancy year. Not like aspirin, but as to aspire or aspiring. We are aspiring to become Deacons. The main focus in Aspirancy, was on discernment for Candidacy. It’s a big decision. Not only for us, but for our wives, children and extended family. Lots to consider, ranging from our jobs up through our spirituality. It was exciting not only to get to know one another as classmates, but ourselves as well. Aspirancy, was a path in itself, to which we were called by the Archbishop. He called, we responded.
Last July, after June Synthesis weekend, we waited to hear if we would be accepted into Candidacy. Everything we did was reviewed. This is because we have to be presented by the Church, that is, the body of Christ. It is our church that says, yes, they are qualified, and ready. It was a very anxious time for us, as some of our classmates were not selected. I would not want that job of evaluating and selection. It is hard and painful for all involved.
Selection is one thing, but we must petition in writing after selection to continue.
Here, we petitioned to take the next path, Candidacy. The Archbishop heard and responded by accepting our petitions. We are making a free-will choice to undergo a more intensive part of formation. It will raise the bar so-to-speak to the next level, challenging us to the task of even more discernment and balance of our lives.
The Rite of Candidacy is that formal presentation of ourselves to the Bishop, we will make both our intention and presence known and are resolved to undergo formation, and in turn be formally received, welcomed and blessed for this next part of the journey. I am very excited. A little nervous, but anxious to see what God has in store for me next. I know my brothers feel the same. Our lives will not be the same, because we are truly becoming public witnesses and ministers. I pray for God’s grace to be upon us all.
At this stage, I think it necessary to state the purpose of my blog. It is to chronicle my journey toward the Diaconate. To share with friends and family or whoever may find it interesting this journey I’m on.
If you have any interest in witnessing the Rite of Candidacy, it will be held at St. James Cathedral in Seattle, WA on December 6th, 2009 at 2pm and all are welcome.
November 23 2009 07:48 am | celebrations and formation
Cameron Kelly on 19 May 2010 at 8:42 pm #
my uncle got stomach ulcers because he took a lot of Aspirin to take care of his high blood pressure..~,
Alice Kelly on 20 Jun 2010 at 3:54 pm #
aspirin is a good anti-inflammatory still in use today. ;,:
Niamh Carter on 29 Aug 2010 at 11:45 am #
aspirin is one of the safest anti-inflammatories that you can use for lots of things`:*
Amber Phillips on 06 Oct 2010 at 11:59 pm #
too much aspirin might lead to thinning of the protective lining of the stomach’~”