Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Evan's installation as acolyte

(Brendan)

My brother Evan, a seminarian at the St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul, MN, was installed as an acolyte a week ago (what might be considered the second "step" in a four step process of eventually becoming a priest - lector, acolyte, deacon, priest). Here are a few pictures of Evan (who now can wear clerics in certain instances!) and the chapel at the St. Paul Seminary.

The seminarians and candidates for the permanent diaconate pictured with Bishop Kinney from the Diocese of St. Cloud, MN (Evan in the center in the back row)


Looking toward the back of the seminary chapel


Me and Evan


Me, Molly, Evan, my Mom, and my Dad

As a bonus, if you've ever wondered what an actual ordination to the priesthood is like, you have to check out this fantastic video (only a minute and half in length). Enjoy!


7 comments:

John Curran said...

Congratulations to Evan!

Wonderful film, so full of joy. I can't help wonder what's up with the scruffy beards though.

Brendan Koop said...

I assumed a couple of them were members of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, an awesome order of Franciscans that is booming in vocations (clicking the link should answer your question about the beards). It seems odd that they would be ordained at the normal diocesan ordination, but maybe that's how they do it.

Jenny Clarke said...

Hey, I don't know if you guys knew Katie Spinharney's older brother Jason, but he was the Friar with the bright red beard leading the processional! Cool video!

Allison Koop Hendrickson said...

That video totally gives me chills! Thanks for posting it! Wish I could have been at the acolyte installation...but the Catholic Studies department wouldn't let me out of class! :)

gabrielle said...

Congratulations Evan and to your whole family as well! What a wonderful priest you will make; may the Lord richly bless you Gabrielle

Brendan Koop said...

Allison:

No doubt, it's a great vid! We'll have to get some more pics of you on here too, I think the last ones were when you went to the Papal mass in D.C.

Gabrielle:

I'm sure Evan will appreciate your note, thanks! What are your thoughts on the Pope's recent provisions for Anglicans to come into full communion with the Catholic Church? I haven't been able to talk to any Anglicans/Episcopalians since it occurred.

gabrielle said...

Brendan....most Anglicans I have spoken with are delighted with the Pope's generous response. Episcopalians are another matter...they seem content with the drift of the Episcopal church away from "the faith once delivered to the saints" and are largely content with revisionist morality and theology I am sad to report. God bless Pope Benedict for offering a safe haven in the Catholic Church Gabrielle