Columbus seminarian admitted to candidacy for holy orders

Zachary Goodchild of the Diocese of Columbus was among eight seminarians in their first year of study in the School of Theology to participate in the Rite of Admission to Candidacy during a Mass in St. Turibius Chapel at the Pontifical College Josephinum on Sunday, Oct. 30.

Goodchild was admitted to candidacy for holy orders along with seminarians from the dioceses of Birmingham, Alabama; Kiyinda Mityana, Uganda; Lugazi, Uganda; and Ogdensburg, New York.

“Today, these men will be enrolled in the list of candidates who one day will share in Jesus’ priestly ministry,” said Bishop Earl Fernandes, the spiritual leader for the Diocese of Columbus and the vice chancellor of the Josephinum.

In an official sense, the Church numbers and enrolls each man among the candidates for the diaconate and priesthood. When calling men for ordination, a bishop chooses from among those enrolled as candidates. 

During the Mass, each seminarian stood and answered “present” when called by name, which “is the moment at which each man declares publicly his desire to be bound in holy orders for the service of God and mankind. It is a self-offering of the candidate, a manifestation of his will,” Bishop Fernandes said.

Candidacy also is “a reception of that offering by the Church and a new commitment by the candidate to care for his vocation,” the bishop said.

He urged the seminarians to draw strength from the help and support of their parishes, seminary formators and brothers in seminary as well as from the love and prayers of family members and friends, many of whom were present for the Mass.

“Today, the desire you express we have the privilege of receiving with joy,” Bishop Fernandes said. “We express our gratitude to God for each of you, that he has brought you to this moment, and the whole Church is grateful for your self-offering.”