Bishop Daniel Garcia ordained five men to the priesthood June 6 at St. William Parish in Round Rock. In front of more than 1500 of the faithful, including 85 priests and 45 deacons, Bishop Garcia laid his hands on the heads of Solomon Cletus Akpan, Christopher Lee Haberberger, Cameron Alexander Kologinczak, Brian Paul McNaughton and Isaiah Andrew Minke making each man a “priest forever in the line of Melchizedek.”

In his homily, Bishop Garcia said, “Today, the church of Austin is truly blessed.”

He thanked the families and close friends who walked with each of the men on their journey to the priesthood.

“Please know that we, the church of Austin, are profoundly grateful to you for sharing this member of your family with us,” the bishop said. “I strongly believe that it is your faith, your example, your family, living and deceased, that has encouraged and supported these men to have the confidence and courage to stand before us and announce a very countercultural declaration.”

Bishop Garcia reflected on the different ways each of the five men had heard God’s call to the priesthood.

“God began to slowly reveal himself to each of you in a particular unique fashion,” he said. “As you step forward, please remember the priesthood that you share is of Jesus Christ not the other way around … you are offering to the church much more than your hands, but your entire being so that you may sanctify the Christian people and offer sacrifice to God. Today Christ chooses you to stand in his place … and to make him present to us.”

He told the men their most important encounter with God's people will be in the Eucharist, where they will stand at the altar and in the very person of Christ, make present the one perfect sacrifice of Calvary.

The bishop encouraged the men to surrender their lives in imitation of the One who willingly poured out his life for each of us.

“My sons, we are all sinners … today, however, you are being commissioned to assist your brothers and sisters in their journey from sin to forgiveness. As confessors, you must take upon yourself the very compassion of Christ who always extends to the broken and the sorrowful the mercy and forgiveness that can only come from God,” Bishop Garcia said.

He joked that today the training wheels come off as the new priests begin their service to the church.

“I pray that everyone who comes to you, you will treat with respect and dignity,” the bishop said. 

“You will be invited to enter into the most sacred part of people’s lives, never take this for granted,” he advised. “What's key for us as holy ministers is a willingness to walk with people. It's here when you are willing to set aside your pride and ego that you can allow the people of God to teach you what it means to be a priest of Jesus Christ.”

He closed by asking the men to be men of joy and hope.

“Never forget that you are called to be a messenger of the Good Priest. Allow people to see in you one who is filled with love and compassion,” the bishop said.

After the bishop’s homily, each man was called forth to kneel in front of him where he asked each of them to express his desire and willingness to be ordained a priest and fulfill the responsibilities that come with ordination.

After the congregation prayed the Litany of Saints, Bishop Garcia laid his hands on the head of each man and prayed for the gift of the Holy Spirit, thereby ordaining each of them to the priesthood. Each priest present laid hands on the heads of the men as well.

After the new priests were vested, the bishop and all the priests extended a fraternal kiss and a congratulatory hug to the new priests.

Following the Eucharist, Father Greg Gerhart, the diocesan Vocations director, thanked all those present for their prayers. As he invited the new priests forward, a long round of applause and shouts of joy extended throughout the sanctuary.

He thanked the five men for their “yes” to God’s call.

“Through God's grace and your generous yes, we too can have a holy ambition to be saints. My brothers, my fathers, thank you,” Father Gerhart said.

He also prayed that God would stir the hearts of more men to consider the priesthood. To the single men present, he extended an invitation.

“My brothers, I ask, could God be calling you to be a priest? The world will tell you to be ambitious for power and wealth and for status but you were made for more. That deep desire for greatness within your hearts is not meant to be snuffed out or dampened, it is meant to be directed and unleashed,” Father Gerhart said.

As of July 6, Bishop Garcia has appointed the five new priests to serve as parochial vicars at the following parishes.

• Father Solomon Akpan will serve at St. Mary Cathedral in Austin.
• Father Christopher Haberberger will serve at Santa Cruz Parish in Buda.
• Father Cameron Kologinczak will serve at St. Mary Catholic Center in College Station.
• Father Brian McNaughton will serve at St. William Parish in Round Rock.
• Father Isaiah Minke will serve at St. Helen Parish in Georgetown.