Sacrament of Holy Orders Bestowed Upon Three Men

The grand and celebratory processional into St. Peter in Chains Cathedral brought forth the three ordinands, Reverends David Doseck, Peter Langkenkamp and Alexander Witt, to the sanctuary and to the Holy Mass of their ordination on May 20. Led by the Knights of Columbus, accompanied by torch bearers, deacons, priests, and shepherded by the Most Reverend Joseph Binzer and the Most Reverend Dennis Schnurr, the processional walked in unity to the entrance song, brought to life by the magnificent sounds of the organ, brass, timpani and the Archdiocesan choir.

Excited for the day, Kyle Isaack, Director of Advancement for the Athenaeum said, “Ordinations are the culmination of all of our vocations. Through these men, you really witness what the Spirit calls each and every one of us to do – to be true to our vocation in life.”

Ancient rituals and prayers were employed in the beautiful Rite of Ordination where the Sacrament of Holy Orders was conferred upon the men. Archbishop Schnurr presented the paten of bread and the chalice of wine to the new priests saying, “Receive the oblation of the holy people to be offered to God. Understand what you do, imitate what you celebrate and conform your life to the mystery of the Lord’s cross.”

At the reception following the Mass, Luke and Rene Klosterman from Holy Trinity in Coldwater said, “The Mass was absolutely incredible! The music was great and it was joyful to see all the people – families and religious – come together.” Luke added, “We’re really happy to be getting Fr. Alexander Witt.”

Luke was referring to the assignments for the new priests which were announced during the Mass: Fr. Witt – Coldwater cluster of Holy Trinity, St. Anthony and St. Mary of Philothea; Fr. David Doseck – St. John Fisher in Newtown and St. Veronica in Mt. Carmel; and Fr. Peter Langkenkamp – Holy Angles in Sidney and Lehman High School.

Fr. Doseck’s mother, Teresa, from Immaculate Conception in Botkins, and a founding member of the Serra Club in the St. Mary’s Deanery, voiced, “David has joy in his heart and he is ready to do the works of the Church.”

Recalling his ordination last year, Fr. Alex McCullough said it was the greatest weekend of his life and there were so many graces experienced. He remarked, “I’m so excited, so thrilled that these men are my brothers in the priesthood. I can’t wait to see the things that they will do and to walk with them on this journey.”

Fr. Tim Ralston, Parochial Vicar for the Coldwater cluster of parishes said, “Ordinations are a wonderful time for the Diocese and for the Church. There is always an atmosphere of hope – hope for the present and for the future of the Church, knowing that God is taking good care of us.”

Click the following link to see a photo gallery of the Mass of ordination to the priesthood at St. Peter in Chains May 20 http://www.mtsm.org/PhotoGalleries/PhotoGallery55.aspx

Text Credit: Colleen Kammer. Photos courtesy of E.L. Hubbard Photography.