NEW ORLEANS – One of the seminarians set to be ordained this summer, Deacon Jason Johnston, has taken the next step on his journey at Notre Dame Seminary.
During the spring semester each year, the seminary community gears up and prepares for the ordination of seminarians to the priesthood and the diaconate. In preparation for those ordinations, each seminarian participates in an evaluation with the faculty usually including the vocation director.

Deacon Jason Johnston accepts congratulations from Notre Dame Seminary Rector Father James Wehner after his profession of faith. (Photo courtesy of Notre Dame Seminary)

The rector then conducts a canonical interview with each candidate to determine if the seminarian is properly motivated, free to enter into Orders, and is ready to embrace life-long commitments. The seminarian then handwrites a petition to his bishop asking for ordination.
Before the seminary community, the rector leads the community in Vespers at which time each seminarian makes a Profession of Faith and then makes an Oath of Fidelity to uphold and teach the Gospel.
Following this prayer, the rector sends all documentation to the bishop for his review. Recently, candidates for ordination to the priesthood and diaconate participated in the ceremony for the Profession of Faith and Oath of Fidelity. Let us pray for our future clergy.
Deacon Johnston and Deacon Joseph Le will be ordained Saturday, May 14, at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle in Jackson.
(Story submitted by Notre Dame Seminary)