Four men in formation for the priesthood in the Archdiocese of Louisville formally declared their intentions to serve as priests during a special Mass on Pentecost, celebrated by Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre.
“Pentecost reminds us that the Holy Spirit empowers us to answer the Lord’s call — whether to lay ministry, religious life or priesthood — and to serve with courage and conviction, filling us with hope and confidence in God’s power.”
— Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre
“Pentecost reminds us that the Holy Spirit empowers us to answer the Lord’s call — whether to lay ministry, religious life or priesthood — and to serve with courage and conviction, filling us with hope and confidence in God’s power,” said Archbishop Fabre during his homily on May 24 at the Cathedral of the Assumption.
The cathedral was packed with parishioners, OCIA candidates and the family and friends of the seminarians for the 9:30 a.m. liturgy. After the homily, four seminarians formally declared their intentions during the Rite of Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders: Samuel Mattingly, Zachary Moore, Trenton Theineman and Emerson Wells.
During the rite, the archbishop asked them two questions:
- Do you resolve to complete your preparation so that in due course you are made ready to be ordained for the ministry of the Church through Holy Orders?
- Do you resolve to form your mind and heart to give faithful service to Christ the Lord and his body, the Church?
Archbishop Fabre also told the candidates during his homily that the rite is a “profound milestone” on their journey to the priesthood.
“This seemingly simple rite carries a profound significance. It’s the first time in a liturgical setting that they state their intention” to serve the church as priests, Archbishop Fabre said. “There’s a special power in voicing this. It makes it feel more real in a profound way.”
He also called on the entire congregation to “remain open to God’s own willing invitation to serve the church.”
Traditionally, the rite of candidacy was celebrated at the men’s respective seminaries, according to the archdiocese’s Vocation Office. Holding this rite locally gives members of the local church the opportunity to witness and affirm the men’s intentions, the office noted in 2025, when the change took effect.
Following the rite of candidacy, another seminarian, Thanh Phan, who received the rite of candidacy last year, was formally commissioned to proclaim the Word during the rite of lector. This rite typically takes place at the seminary.
Archbishop Fabre addressed him following his declaration of intent, presenting to him a book of Scripture.
“Thanh, take this book of holy Scripture, and be faithful in hanging on the Word of God so that it may grow strong in the hearts of his people,” the archbishop said.
The archdiocese’s seminarians are currently preparing to begin their summer assignments, where they will serve in ministries throughout the archdiocese. Details can be found on the Archdiocese of Louisville website archlou.org/2026-seminarian-summer-assignments.
