Inside St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Saturday, the Archdiocese of New York celebrated a day of great joy as Deacon Joseph Haas and Deacon John Ippolito were ordained to the priesthood.
Archbishop Ronald Hicks celebrated the Mass and conferred the Sacrament of Holy Orders, with the bishops of the Archdiocese of New York concelebrating and Cardinal Timothy Dolan in attendance.
The ordination liturgy began with a procession of hundreds of priests, the bishops and Archbishop Hicks, who greeted the families of the men seated in the front rows. After the readings, the candidates were called forward by Bishop James Massa, rector of St. Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers, and presented to the archbishop.
2026 Ordinandi Class: Deacon John Ippolito
After being found worthy, the cathedral responded with applause, welcoming Haas and Ippolito as candidates for ordination.
In his homily, Archbishop Hicks addressed the soon-to-be priests directly.
“Joe and John. The priesthood is not just another job or a career path. The priesthood is a lifelong vocation. It is a mission of love and service. Pouring yourselves out for the salvation of others.”
After the homily, Haas and Ippolito made the promise of obedience. Kneeling before Archbishop Hicks, each man placed his hands into the archbishop’s hands and promised respect and obedience to him and his successors.
In one of the most powerful moments of the liturgy, the candidates lay prostrate before the altar as the Litany of Supplication was sung. The faithful prayed for the men about to be ordained before Archbishop Hicks laid his hands on the head of each candidate in silence, invoking the Holy Spirit and continuing the apostolic ministry handed down through the Church.
2026 Ordinandi Class: Deacon Joseph Haas
After the laying on of hands and the Prayer of Ordination, the newly ordained priests were vested with the stole and chasuble, outward signs of their priestly ministry. Archbishop Hicks then anointed their hands with sacred chrism, consecrating them for the work of blessing, sanctifying, and offering the Eucharistic sacrifice. He then placed the paten and chalice into their hands, entrusting them with the gifts of the people of God and the mystery they will now celebrate at the altar.
After Mass, Father Joseph Haas spoke about the grace of the day.
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“Today is absolutely incredible. For me, when you realize that God the Father has called you to share in his Son’s priesthood, it’s such an amazing gift.”
Father John Ippolito said he was grateful to begin the work of priestly ministry.
“To know that I’ll be doing God’s work in the vineyard, that’s so important. The salvation of souls, helping people draw nearer to Christ.”
Archbishop Hicks called the ordination “powerful,” “beautiful,” and “holy,” adding, “you can feel the joy.” He encouraged everyone to continue to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
Father Joseph Haas and Father John Ippolito now begin their priestly ministry, sent out to preach the Gospel, celebrate the sacraments, and serve the people of God.