A Novena for Men Chosen for Priesthood

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God our Father, You appointed Jesus Christ High Priest of the new and eternal covenant. By grace you allow men to share in this priesthood and in his saving work. We ask you to pour out your Holy Spirit on the men you have chosen for priesthood. May they preach the Gospel worthily and wisely, celebrate the sacraments faithfully and reverently, and pray without ceasing. May they be united more closely every day to Christ the High Priest, who offered himself for us to the Father as a pure sacrifice. Bless, sanctify, and consecrate men whom you have chosen and called to the sacred order of Priesthood. Through the Holy Spirit make their lives worthy of the mysteries they celebrate. We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Priest and Lord. Amen!

Starting today, join us in praying each day leading up to the ordination of Deacon Ken Kirkman and Deacon Peter Tassini. Ken and his family have been an incredible part of our parish family for so many years. Here is Ken on the day of his baptism pictured with his parents and Fr. Ahern. Each day of the novena we'll post a new photo of Ken from his roots here at Holy Cross to his journey to priesthood. Join us and parishes across the Diocese in praying a Novena for Men Chosen for Priesthood. ------------- God our Father, You appointed Jesus Christ High Priest of the new and eternal covenant. By grace you allow men to share in this priesthood and in his saving work. We ask you to pour out your Holy Spirit on the men you have chosen for priesthood. May they preach the Gospel worthily and wisely, celebrate the sacraments faithfully and reverently, and pray without ceasing. May they be united more closely every day to Christ the High Priest, who offered himself for us to the Father as a pure sacrifice. Bless, sanctify, and consecrate men whom you have chosen and called to the sacred order of Priesthood. Through the Holy Spirit make their lives worthy of the mysteries they celebrate. We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Priest and Lord. Amen!

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"He was almost like part of the family." Ken speaking about Fr. Ahern, an inspiring priest and faithful presence in his life. ---------------- God our Father, You appointed Jesus Christ High Priest of the new and eternal covenant. By grace you allow men to share in this priesthood and in his saving work. We ask you to pour out your Holy Spirit on the men you have chosen for priesthood. May they preach the Gospel worthily and wisely, celebrate the sacraments faithfully and reverently, and pray without ceasing. May they be united more closely every day to Christ the High Priest, who offered himself for us to the Father as a pure sacrifice. Bless, sanctify, and consecrate men whom you have chosen and called to the sacred order of Priesthood. Through the Holy Spirit make their lives worthy of the mysteries they celebrate. We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Priest and Lord. Amen!

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We're less than a week away from the ordination 🙏 Here's another great throwback of Ken at his sibling's baptism. Continue praying with us for Ken and Peter. ------------- God our Father, You appointed Jesus Christ High Priest of the new and eternal covenant. By grace you allow men to share in this priesthood and in his saving work. We ask you to pour out your Holy Spirit on the men you have chosen for priesthood. May they preach the Gospel worthily and wisely, celebrate the sacraments faithfully and reverently, and pray without ceasing. May they be united more closely every day to Christ the High Priest, who offered himself for us to the Father as a pure sacrifice. Bless, sanctify, and consecrate men whom you have chosen and called to the sacred order of Priesthood. Through the Holy Spirit make their lives worthy of the mysteries they celebrate. We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Priest and Lord. Amen!

A photo posted by Holy Cross Church (@holycrossdewitt) on

#tbt A young Ken Kirkman during his altar server days. -- As a native of Holy Cross, we have witnessed the remarkable journey of Ken’s life — from altar server to seminarian to deacon and now to priesthood. We are so proud of Ken and assure him always of our prayers, friendship, and support for the years ahead. Join us after Masses at Holy Cross this weekend to congratulate Ken. -- God our Father, You appointed Jesus Christ High Priest of the new and eternal covenant. By grace you allow men to share in this priesthood and in his saving work. We ask you to pour out your Holy Spirit on the men you have chosen for priesthood. May they preach the Gospel worthily and wisely, celebrate the sacraments faithfully and reverently, and pray without ceasing. May they be united more closely every day to Christ the High Priest, who offered himself for us to the Father as a pure sacrifice. Bless, sanctify, and consecrate men whom you have chosen and called to the sacred order of Priesthood. Through the Holy Spirit make their lives worthy of the mysteries they celebrate. We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Priest and Lord. Amen!

A photo posted by Holy Cross Church (@holycrossdewitt) on

Today we celebrate Matt Lyons' ordination to a transitional deacon, another step on his journey to priesthood. If you get a chance, be sure to congratulate him and wish him well. We also continue to pray for Ken and Peter as they get closer to their ordination. ------------ God our Father, You appointed Jesus Christ High Priest of the new and eternal covenant. By grace you allow men to share in this priesthood and in his saving work. We ask you to pour out your Holy Spirit on the men you have chosen for priesthood. May they preach the Gospel worthily and wisely, celebrate the sacraments faithfully and reverently, and pray without ceasing. May they be united more closely every day to Christ the High Priest, who offered himself for us to the Father as a pure sacrifice. Bless, sanctify, and consecrate men whom you have chosen and called to the sacred order of Priesthood. Through the Holy Spirit make their lives worthy of the mysteries they celebrate. We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Priest and Lord. Amen!

A photo posted by Holy Cross Church (@holycrossdewitt) on

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