Michael Geary Takes Next Step Toward Priesthood
By Kristine Rilling08/03/2026
On a warm summer evening, Mr. Michael Geary took an important step in his journey toward the priesthood when he celebrated the Rite of Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders on Saturday, August 1 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in McKean. The Most Rev. Lawrence T. Persico, Bishop of Erie, presided. Father Scott Jabo, Father David Renne and Father Ben Daghir concelebrated Mass, joined by family members, friends and members of the parish and seminary community.
The Rite of Admission to Candidacy is a formal recognition by the Church that a seminarian intends to continue his preparation for ordination. During the rite, Geary publicly expressed his desire to devote himself to formation for ordained ministry. Bishop Persico, acting on behalf of the Catholic Church, accepted that intention and encouraged him to remain faithful to Christ’s call.
During his homily, Bishop Persico graciously thanked those present: the clergy, religious, seminarians, Geary’s parents, family, friends and the St. Francis Xavier Parish community.
“The reason that I am celebrating this Rite in the parish faith community,” said Bishop Persico, “is that vocations to priestly and religious life grow out of the believing community. The community has a responsibility, and plays a key role, in fostering vocations.”
He acknowledged Geary and Joe Preston, a fellow seminarian, both parishioners of St. Francis.
“You are being given the opportunity to deepen your resolve to follow the Lord Jesus and to serve the People of God,” said Bishop Persico to Geary. “Just like the first disciples, you have been chosen for this role. The Church has understood this to mean that no one enters into ordained service who has not been called, chosen and sent. The ordained ministry is not like a career which one self-selects, but a divine vocation and grace to which one strives to be faithful.”
Admission to candidacy is a significant milestone along the path to priesthood. It ordinarily takes place after a period of discernment, prayer, academic study, spiritual development and pastoral experience. By becoming a candidate, a seminarian commits himself more intentionally to preparing for service as a deacon and, God willing, as a priest.
During the celebration, Bishop Persico asked Geary whether he was resolved to complete his preparation so that he might faithfully serve Christ and the Church. After he affirmed his intention, the Bishop formally received him among the candidates for Holy Orders.
For Father Scott Jabo, vocation director and rector of St. Mark Seminary, the occasion offered an opportunity to reflect with gratitude on the people and experiences that have helped shape Geary’s vocation.
“We are grateful to God that Michael is taking this important step in his formation as he publicly declares and commits more deeply in his intentions and preparations for ordination,” said Father Jabo, “We are also pleased that the Bishop has officially accepted Michael’s declaration and commitment on behalf of the Church. We will continue to pray for Michael as he continues in his seminary formation.”
Although candidacy recognizes a seminarian’s growing commitment, formation and discernment continue. In the months and years ahead, Geary will continue his theological studies and participate in spiritual, human and pastoral formation as he prepares for the possibility of ordination.
Geary shared his reaction after the Mass.
“Candidacy is a big step in the seminary process,” said Geary. “You get the chance to make a definitive declaration publicly that you intend to see it through and eventually become ordained and the Diocese accepts this. It is a bit like when you first get accepted into formation for the Diocese, but bigger.”
The Diocese of Erie invites the faithful to pray for Mr. Michael Geary, for all diocesan seminarians and for everyone discerning a vocation to the priesthood or religious life. Through the encouragement of families, parishes and the wider Church, these men are accompanied as they seek to respond generously to God’s call.
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