Questions and Answers

Diaconate Ordination Questions

Michael anticipates being ordained to the transitional diaconate on Thursday, October 1, 2026

Where is the ceremony?

The ceremony takes place at Basilica of Saint Peter in Vatican City (a small country within Rome, Italy). The Mass is followed by a reception at the Pontifical North American College, my seminary where I am being formed to be a priest. The seminary is within walking distance for the average person.

How do I RSVP for the ordination and other events that week?

Please use the RSVP form. Click the link at the bottom of this page.

Is there a dress code?

Reverent attire is required by the security staff to enter the Basilica of Saint Peter, since it is a place of worship to God. Specifically, clothing must extend at least to the knee; shoulders should be covered; and the neck line should not be cut low.
Due to the solemnity of the Ordination Mass, many people wear "Sunday best," semi-formal, business, or business casual attire.

Can I bring children?

Of course! Please include them in your RSVP. The ordination Mass is expected to be about two hours in duration.

Is the ordination certain? You're using the word "anticipated."

Good observation. The decision and call to Holy Orders (deacon and priest) is always made by the bishop who has authority over the seminarian. For me, that is the bishop of the Diocese of Richmond, where I will serve. He has not yet made the decision, but we expect that to occur in late Summer. However, things are on track for me to be called to be a deacon. See the "Milestones" link at the top for more information.

When is the ordination?

I need to change my RSVP.

Please e-mail me or RSVP again. Contact information is at the bottom of this page.

Can I take photos during the Mass?

There will be photographers taking photos so you do not need to, allowing you to pray and enter more into the liturgy.
Photos will be available at a new album at this link within 24 hours of the ordination. https://www.flickr.com/photos/pnac/albums

Other Questions

There are some activities that week if you are in Rome. However, your schedule is up to you. In past years, many guests use it as an opportunity to visit sites in Rome or other places nearby in Italy.

Where should I stay?

The ordination itself takes places in the Vatican, however, this does not mean you need to stay near the Vatican. There are no

I am a seminarian or a priest. Anything I should know?

Priests are welcome to concelebrate the ordination Mass if you have the usual documentation to celebrate outside your diocese. Please indicate that you'll be doing this in the RSVP form. Please bring an alb, amice, cincture, and white stole.

Seminarians, please contact me if you will be attending the Mass the day after the ordination where I will be preaching.

Why is this in Rome?

Most seminarians for the United States are in the United States. Mine, however, is in Rome and is called the Pontifical North American College. Bishops decide which seminary to send men to, and mine decided to send me to this College. The PNAC has a tradition of ordaining men from this seminary to the Order of the Deacon at the Basilica of Saint Peter.

I understand that the cost or the distance might prevent you from being able to attend the ordination. I anticipate my ordination to the priesthood to take place in 2028 in Richmond, VA.

I'd like to go to Confession while in Rome.

Wonderful. Confession in English is frequently available at the four major Basilicas in Rome (Saint Peter's, Mary Major, John Lateran, and Saint Paul Outside the Walls). Saint Peter's has long hours for Confession (also called Reconciliation). Confession is located in the north transept (back and to the right when entering).

The Wednesday Prayer Vigil is expected to have confession available too.

What should I do the week of the ordination?

I need to change my RSVP.

Please e-mail me or RSVP again. Contact information is at the bottom of this page.

Is there a dress code for the Mass on Friday?

No. Wear what is appropriate and modest for Mass. Comfortable shoes are a good idea if you're going on the tour afterwards.