Priesthood Promises

Last night, the deacon class made priesthood promises in the presence of the Seminary community and guests. The promises were made in the context of mass. These promises are required by canon law prior to ordination and are very similiar to the promises we each made before being ordained to the deaconate. There are three declarations: 1) a declaration of freedom - that we are not being coerced by force or fear to pursue ordination; 2) A profession of Faith - that we believe what the Church teaches and proclaims; 3) an Oath of Fidelity - that we will remain faithful to the Church, our ordination and its duties, the Holy Father and our local ordinary (i.e., bishop or abbot). These declarations are a public witness to the world that we understand what we are undertaking and we are committed, for life, to strive to live out this life of Priesthood for the Church and the world. It is a witness that we, like all people, are free to choose to follow God, per our particular God given vocation. They are a testimony that permenance is still possible, and that great freedom and happiness are possible, only in the context of relationship with God and neighbor.

The text for the Declaration of Freedom:

Declaration to be made prior to the Reception of Sacred Orders According to Canon 1036 of the 1983 Code of Canon Law

I the undersigned Jeremy Michael Gries (John Joseph Hollowell) son of Robert and Kathleen Gries (Joseph and Diane Hollowell) of the Archdioces of Indianapolis having presented my petition to the Archbishop for receiving the Order of Presbyter do now, as Sacred Ordination is at hand, having diligently weighted the matter before God; testify under oath that I am not motivated by any force or fear in receiving this Sacred Order but ask for it of my own free will and choice because I believe that I am truly called by God to do so.

I assert that one and all of the duties flowing from this Sacred Order are fully knowon to me, which duties I willingly accept and propse with God's help to carry out most diligently all the days of my life.

Especially I swear that I clearly understand the implications of the law of celibacy and that I freely embrace it and will keep it faithfully with God's help until the end of my life.

Finally I faithfully swear that, according to the norms of the Sacred Canons, I shall obey most faithfully in all the matters which my superiors command and the discipline of the Church demands and that I am prepared to give a good example in word and deed, relying in hte hope that I may be rewarded by God for receiving this Order.

So I affirm, so profess, so I swear; so help me God and these holy Gospels which I touch with my hand.


Fr. Denis, the President-Rector, preached the Priesthood Promises mass. A copy of his homily can be found on his blog at: http://substancehopedfor.blogspot.com

John and I only have 2 weeks of class left. We will both graduate with our Masters of Divinity (MDiv) on Saturday, 09 May here at Meinrad. That same weekend it is hoped that our assignments will be made public.

God's blessings!
jmg