(From left) Newly ordained Fathers Chinonso Nnebe-Agumadu, Christopher Brock and Peter Rusciolelli. (Travis Burton of TO2 Photography for the Catholic News Herald)
Three men ordained priests for the Diocese of Charlotte
HUNTERSVILLE — “Love, joy, friendship and choice: four fundamental words for discipleship, four indispensable words for priesthood.” These four words, Atlanta Archbishop Gregory Hartmayer said, describe the call to ministry for Christopher Brock, Chinonso Nnebe-Agumadu and Peter Rusciolelli, who were ordained to the priesthood June 17.
More than a thousand people filled St. Mark Church in Huntersville for the ordination Mass. Archbishop Hartmayer, OFM Conv., celebrated the Mass at the request of Charlotte Bishop Peter Jugis, who is experiencing health issues which prevented his attendance. Archbishop Hartmayer used Bishop Jugis’ crozier at the Mass in a sign of unity between the bishops, and he offered a prayer for strength and healing for Bishop Jugis as the Mass began.
Archbishop Hartmayer also entrusted the three men being ordained to Mary, Mother of Priests, and to her Immaculate Heart, the feast celebrated on the day of the ordination. “Today, stay close to her, seek her intercession and be inspired by her example. Imitate the actions of Mary and ponder these things in your heart every day,” he said. The ordination rite began with Brock, Nnebe-Agumadu and Rusciolelli coming forward to the altar and expressing their willingness to be ordained and promising to take on the responsibilities of the priesthood. Then Archbishop Hartmayer directed his homily to them.
“The Lord loves you. He rejoices in you. He is your friend, and He has chosen you,” the archbishop told them. “The Lord wants you to be His priests. Be certain of the Lord's love for you and be sure of the Lord’s call to you.”
At the end of the ordination Mass, the three new priests' assignments were announced by Monsignor Patrick Winslow, vicar general and chancellor of the Diocese of Charlotte.
Father Brock will serve as parochial vicar of Holy Cross Parish in Kernersville, Father Nnebe-Agumadu will serve as parochial vicar of St. Mark Parish in Huntersville, and Father Rusciolelli will serve as parochial vicar of St. Leo the Great Parish in Winston-Salem.
‘LOVE, JOY, FRIENDSHIP, CHOICE’
In his homily, Archbishop Hartmayer told the three men, “Love: your priesthood must be characterized by a love modeled on Christ. You are called to love often in the simplest ways – through kindness, courtesy and patience, overflowing from a heart united to Christ, the heart of a shepherd.”
“Joy: joy is the echo of God's life within us,” he added. “Today you are configured to Christ. By a special grace of the Holy Spirit, He will make your joy complete.” “In your priestly ministry evangelize, preach, teach, witness and announce the joyful Gospel of salvation and Good News to everyone – without exception. We need to hear the Good News. We need to hear it from you. We need to hear you proclaim it. We need to see you live it.”
Friendship with Christ, Archbishop Hartmayer continued, is a vital part of a priest’s ministry. “A new and permanent intimacy with Christ begins through the laying on of hands and the prayer of consecration. Ordination shapes your being into the likeness of Christ the priest, Christ the teacher, Christ the shepherd. Allow this interior change to expand your friendship with Christ through the daily celebration of the Eucharist, the Liturgy of the Hours, and the prayerful devotional nurturing of your inner life.”
“Finally, choice. Your priesthood flows from Christ’s choice of you. Before you ever thought of Him, He had already chosen you,” Archbishop Hartmayer said. “The Lord has chosen you to make a difference."
“His love and joy are yours. In friendship He chose you to be His priest, and in friendship you said, yes,” he added.
“You have a lot to do as a priest, and you have a lot to give as priests,” Archbishop Hartmayer smiled as he continued sharing his advice to the three ordinands. “Moved by His example… enter fully into the fabric of society, sharing the lives of all, listening to their concerns, helping them materially and spiritually in their needs, rejoicing with those who rejoice, and weeping with those who weep, arm and arm with others.”
LAYING ON OF HANDS, VESTING AND ANOINTING
After the archbishop’s homily the Litany of Supplication followed, during which the men lay prostrate before the altar as Archbishop Hartmayer and everyone gathered at the Mass knelt in prayer and the Litany of the Saints was chanted.
Then they arose and approached the archbishop, who laid his hands on their heads. During this most solemn moment of the ordination rite, Archbishop Hartmayer prayed silently over them for the Holy Spirit to descend upon them. Dozens of priests in attendance at the ordination Mass then followed suit, laying hands on the three men in a sign of priestly fraternity and unity.
During the vesting portion of the ordination rite, the men were vested by people who played meaningful roles in their journey to the priesthood. Father Brock was vested by Father Joshua Voitus, Father Nnebe-Agumadu was vested by Father Bernard Oleru, M.S.P., and Father Rusciolelli was vested by Father Christopher Roux.
The three new priests’ hands were anointed with sacred chrism, and the archbishop presented them with chalices and patens to signify their authority to celebrate the Eucharist. After the kiss of peace, the new priests joined the archbishop and other clergy o the altar to concelebrate the Liturgy of the Eucharist for their first time.
GIVING THANKS FOR THEIR FORMATION
At the end of Mass, Monsignor Winslow thanked Archbishop Hartmayer and all who have helped form the new priests, including Father Christopher Gober, diocesan vocations director; Father Anthony Brausch, rector of Mount St. Mary’s Seminary & School of Theology in Ohio; and Father Matthew Kauth, rector of St. Joseph College Seminary in Mount Holly.
“Throughout their formation these men have been shaped by you, the very people they serve. Your support and encouragement have played an invaluable role in bringing them to this moment and like all priests called to serve, they will continue to rely on your prayers, your guidance, your expertise and, yes, even sometimes your patience,” Monsignor Winslow said. “Finally, all of us want to thank the parents of these young men as the first and primary formators. You should be proud.”
As rector of the local college seminary, Father Kauth shared insights into the men’s formation in comments after Mass.
“The process is long but necessary because the man has to be examined in every way possible, tried in every way possible, because the way that he takes on the priesthood needs to have a very solid structure from which to sit,” Father Kauth said.
Though he played a leadership role in the men’s formation, Father Kauth also noted a sense of solidarity and camaraderie with the newly ordained.
“When the new priests get here, for the rest of us team members, they're all like 'All Stars.' The load is less (burdensome) when everyone else is carrying it with you,” he said. “I can't express to you how much you feel strengthened by each one who comes through, especially when you know them to be the men of character that they are.”
“The Lord wants you to be His priests. Be certain of the Lord's love for you and be sure of the Lord’s call to you.” — Archbishop Gregory Hartmayer, OFM Conv.
FIRST MASSES OF THANKSGIVING
The new priests will offer first Masses of Thanksgiving at their home parishes in the diocese. All are invited to attend.
Details about their first Masses and the vestments and chalices that they will use are:
Father Brock offered his first Mass of Thanksgiving at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, June 18, at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte. A reception was held immediately following the Mass in the Msgr. Pharr Activity Center.
The vestment Father Brock used for his Mass of Thanksgiving is primarily gold, in celebration of the joyful occasion of his ordination. It has some blue to honor of the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, which will be observed on his ordination day.
When it comes to his chalice, Deacon Brock chose one he found particularly beautiful from a collection of chalices available for graduates of the seminary in Ohio. However, his chosen chalice was not in pristine condition, so he had it restored.
“On the bottom of the chalice there was an inscription commemorating the parish in Cincinnati where the chalice was used, and I had my own name and ordination date engraved on the bottom as well,” he said. “I love the idea of keeping this old and storied chalice in use, and I hope that future generations of priests will be able to put their names on the bottom of it as well after I am gone.”
(Photo by Mike Fitzgerald)Father Nnebe-Agumadu offered his first Mass of Thanksgiving at 2 p.m., Sunday, June 18, at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte. Mass was followed by a parish potluck and reception in honor of his ordination.
Father Nnebe-Agumadu’s chalice comes from Mexico, the body of which is Gothic-styled, gold-plated alloy made of European bronze casting. At the base of the chalice are events from the life of Jesus such as the Annunciation, the Nativity, the Last Supper and the Ascension.
The vestment for his first Mass is a Marian set in ivory and light blue accent. The ivory fabric has a crown motif that pays homage to Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth, chosen to honor the Blessed Mother who played a “huge part” in his vocation.
“Also on this vestment is a memorial to my dad who passed away in my first year of seminary,” he said. “It will be such a blessing to remember him every time I don the vestment.”
Father Rusciolelli offered his first Mass of Thanksgiving at 9 a.m. Sunday June 18, at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte. A reception followed in the Family Life Center.
His chalice and vestments are rich with symbolism and meaning.
The Benedictine Sisters of Mary made his chasuble. Father Rusciolelli designed it, so that each element is a symbol of the priesthood and honors the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Both feasts will be celebrated during his ordination weekend.
His chalice is an antique and includes images honoring Our Lady, St. Joseph and other holy figures as well as Psalm 116:12, which is the prayer traditionally prayed by the priest right before receiving the Precious Blood from the chalice: “Quid retribuam Domino pro omnibus quae retribuit mihi,” or “What shall I render to the Lord for all His bounty to me?”
— Catholic News Herald. Photos by Amy Burger, Travis Burton, Liz Chandler and Troy Hull.
(From left) Newly ordained Fathers Chinonso Nnebe-Agumadu, Christopher Brock and Peter Rusciolelli. (Travis Burton of TO2 Photography for the Catholic News Herald)
Three men ordained priests for the Diocese of Charlotte
HUNTERSVILLE — “Love, joy, friendship and choice: four fundamental words for discipleship, four indispensable words for priesthood.” These four words, Atlanta Archbishop Gregory Hartmayer said, describe the call to ministry for Christopher Brock, Chinonso Nnebe-Agumadu and Peter Rusciolelli, who were ordained to the priesthood June 17.
More than a thousand people filled St. Mark Church in Huntersville for the ordination Mass. Archbishop Hartmayer, OFM Conv., celebrated the Mass at the request of Charlotte Bishop Peter Jugis, who is experiencing health issues which prevented his attendance. Archbishop Hartmayer used Bishop Jugis’ crozier at the Mass in a sign of unity between the bishops, and he offered a prayer for strength and healing for Bishop Jugis as the Mass began.
Archbishop Hartmayer also entrusted the three men being ordained to Mary, Mother of Priests, and to her Immaculate Heart, the feast celebrated on the day of the ordination. “Today, stay close to her, seek her intercession and be inspired by her example. Imitate the actions of Mary and ponder these things in your heart every day,” he said. The ordination rite began with Brock, Nnebe-Agumadu and Rusciolelli coming forward to the altar and expressing their willingness to be ordained and promising to take on the responsibilities of the priesthood. Then Archbishop Hartmayer directed his homily to them.
“The Lord loves you. He rejoices in you. He is your friend, and He has chosen you,” the archbishop told them. “The Lord wants you to be His priests. Be certain of the Lord's love for you and be sure of the Lord’s call to you.”
At the end of the ordination Mass, the three new priests' assignments were announced by Monsignor Patrick Winslow, vicar general and chancellor of the Diocese of Charlotte.
Father Brock will serve as parochial vicar of Holy Cross Parish in Kernersville, Father Nnebe-Agumadu will serve as parochial vicar of St. Mark Parish in Huntersville, and Father Rusciolelli will serve as parochial vicar of St. Leo the Great Parish in Winston-Salem.
‘LOVE, JOY, FRIENDSHIP, CHOICE’
In his homily, Archbishop Hartmayer told the three men, “Love: your priesthood must be characterized by a love modeled on Christ. You are called to love often in the simplest ways – through kindness, courtesy and patience, overflowing from a heart united to Christ, the heart of a shepherd.”
“Joy: joy is the echo of God's life within us,” he added. “Today you are configured to Christ. By a special grace of the Holy Spirit, He will make your joy complete.” “In your priestly ministry evangelize, preach, teach, witness and announce the joyful Gospel of salvation and Good News to everyone – without exception. We need to hear the Good News. We need to hear it from you. We need to hear you proclaim it. We need to see you live it.”
Friendship with Christ, Archbishop Hartmayer continued, is a vital part of a priest’s ministry. “A new and permanent intimacy with Christ begins through the laying on of hands and the prayer of consecration. Ordination shapes your being into the likeness of Christ the priest, Christ the teacher, Christ the shepherd. Allow this interior change to expand your friendship with Christ through the daily celebration of the Eucharist, the Liturgy of the Hours, and the prayerful devotional nurturing of your inner life.”
“Finally, choice. Your priesthood flows from Christ’s choice of you. Before you ever thought of Him, He had already chosen you,” Archbishop Hartmayer said. “The Lord has chosen you to make a difference."
“His love and joy are yours. In friendship He chose you to be His priest, and in friendship you said, yes,” he added.
“You have a lot to do as a priest, and you have a lot to give as priests,” Archbishop Hartmayer smiled as he continued sharing his advice to the three ordinands. “Moved by His example… enter fully into the fabric of society, sharing the lives of all, listening to their concerns, helping them materially and spiritually in their needs, rejoicing with those who rejoice, and weeping with those who weep, arm and arm with others.”
LAYING ON OF HANDS, VESTING AND ANOINTING
After the archbishop’s homily the Litany of Supplication followed, during which the men lay prostrate before the altar as Archbishop Hartmayer and everyone gathered at the Mass knelt in prayer and the Litany of the Saints was chanted.
Then they arose and approached the archbishop, who laid his hands on their heads. During this most solemn moment of the ordination rite, Archbishop Hartmayer prayed silently over them for the Holy Spirit to descend upon them. Dozens of priests in attendance at the ordination Mass then followed suit, laying hands on the three men in a sign of priestly fraternity and unity.
During the vesting portion of the ordination rite, the men were vested by people who played meaningful roles in their journey to the priesthood. Father Brock was vested by Father Joshua Voitus, Father Nnebe-Agumadu was vested by Father Bernard Oleru, M.S.P., and Father Rusciolelli was vested by Father Christopher Roux.
The three new priests’ hands were anointed with sacred chrism, and the archbishop presented them with chalices and patens to signify their authority to celebrate the Eucharist. After the kiss of peace, the new priests joined the archbishop and other clergy o the altar to concelebrate the Liturgy of the Eucharist for their first time.
GIVING THANKS FOR THEIR FORMATION
At the end of Mass, Monsignor Winslow thanked Archbishop Hartmayer and all who have helped form the new priests, including Father Christopher Gober, diocesan vocations director; Father Anthony Brausch, rector of Mount St. Mary’s Seminary & School of Theology in Ohio; and Father Matthew Kauth, rector of St. Joseph College Seminary in Mount Holly.
“Throughout their formation these men have been shaped by you, the very people they serve. Your support and encouragement have played an invaluable role in bringing them to this moment and like all priests called to serve, they will continue to rely on your prayers, your guidance, your expertise and, yes, even sometimes your patience,” Monsignor Winslow said. “Finally, all of us want to thank the parents of these young men as the first and primary formators. You should be proud.”
As rector of the local college seminary, Father Kauth shared insights into the men’s formation in comments after Mass.
“The process is long but necessary because the man has to be examined in every way possible, tried in every way possible, because the way that he takes on the priesthood needs to have a very solid structure from which to sit,” Father Kauth said.
Though he played a leadership role in the men’s formation, Father Kauth also noted a sense of solidarity and camaraderie with the newly ordained.
“When the new priests get here, for the rest of us team members, they're all like 'All Stars.' The load is less (burdensome) when everyone else is carrying it with you,” he said. “I can't express to you how much you feel strengthened by each one who comes through, especially when you know them to be the men of character that they are.”
“The Lord wants you to be His priests. Be certain of the Lord's love for you and be sure of the Lord’s call to you.” — Archbishop Gregory Hartmayer, OFM Conv.
FIRST MASSES OF THANKSGIVING
The new priests will offer first Masses of Thanksgiving at their home parishes in the diocese. All are invited to attend.
Details about their first Masses and the vestments and chalices that they will use are:
Father Brock offered his first Mass of Thanksgiving at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, June 18, at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte. A reception was held immediately following the Mass in the Msgr. Pharr Activity Center.
The vestment Father Brock used for his Mass of Thanksgiving is primarily gold, in celebration of the joyful occasion of his ordination. It has some blue to honor of the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, which will be observed on his ordination day.
When it comes to his chalice, Deacon Brock chose one he found particularly beautiful from a collection of chalices available for graduates of the seminary in Ohio. However, his chosen chalice was not in pristine condition, so he had it restored.
“On the bottom of the chalice there was an inscription commemorating the parish in Cincinnati where the chalice was used, and I had my own name and ordination date engraved on the bottom as well,” he said. “I love the idea of keeping this old and storied chalice in use, and I hope that future generations of priests will be able to put their names on the bottom of it as well after I am gone.”
(Photo by Mike Fitzgerald)Father Nnebe-Agumadu offered his first Mass of Thanksgiving at 2 p.m., Sunday, June 18, at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte. Mass was followed by a parish potluck and reception in honor of his ordination.
Father Nnebe-Agumadu’s chalice comes from Mexico, the body of which is Gothic-styled, gold-plated alloy made of European bronze casting. At the base of the chalice are events from the life of Jesus such as the Annunciation, the Nativity, the Last Supper and the Ascension.
The vestment for his first Mass is a Marian set in ivory and light blue accent. The ivory fabric has a crown motif that pays homage to Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth, chosen to honor the Blessed Mother who played a “huge part” in his vocation.
“Also on this vestment is a memorial to my dad who passed away in my first year of seminary,” he said. “It will be such a blessing to remember him every time I don the vestment.”
Father Rusciolelli offered his first Mass of Thanksgiving at 9 a.m. Sunday June 18, at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte. A reception followed in the Family Life Center.
His chalice and vestments are rich with symbolism and meaning.
The Benedictine Sisters of Mary made his chasuble. Father Rusciolelli designed it, so that each element is a symbol of the priesthood and honors the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Both feasts will be celebrated during his ordination weekend.
His chalice is an antique and includes images honoring Our Lady, St. Joseph and other holy figures as well as Psalm 116:12, which is the prayer traditionally prayed by the priest right before receiving the Precious Blood from the chalice: “Quid retribuam Domino pro omnibus quae retribuit mihi,” or “What shall I render to the Lord for all His bounty to me?”
— Catholic News Herald. Photos by Amy Burger, Travis Burton, Liz Chandler and Troy Hull.
Home parish: St. Vincent de Paul Church, Charlotte
Birthplace: Woodstock, Va.
Birthday: Jan. 11, 1997
Raised in: Charlotte
Family: Parents – Stephen and Susan Brock; siblings - Mary, Michael, Isaac, Sebastian, Felicity, Peter, Timothy
College: St. Joseph College Seminary
Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Belmont Abbey College
Theology: Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, Cincinnati, Ohio
Summer assignments in the diocese: Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury, Immaculate Conception Church in Hendersonville, Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro
‘When people seek out the priest, they are truly seeking out an encounter with Jesus.’
Drawn to the priesthood from a young age, Father Christopher Brock was born in Woodstock, Va., in 1997.
“Being a priest was something I was attracted to ever since I was a boy,” he said. “However, it was in high school that I began to really take the possibility of a vocation seriously.”
He credits the Quo Vadis Days retreat, a discernment camp in the diocese, and being an altar server for playing major roles in his discernment.
The son of Steve and Susan Brock, Father Brock grew up in Charlotte with his seven siblings: Mary, Michael, Isaac, Sebastian, Felicity, Peter and Timothy. His home parish is St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte. He was homeschooled through grade 12 and graduated from St. Joseph College Seminary before earning his Master of Divinity at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary & School of Theology.
In the days leading up to his ordination, he said there was a lot of excitement.
“When I entered seminary six years ago, I did so because I believed God was calling me to be a priest, and so seeing my ordination day just around the corner is very joyful and exciting. The thing I am looking forward to the most is saying Mass,” Father Brock said. “I see the Mass as being at the center of what it is to be a priest, and I am so looking forward to offering sacrifice to God on behalf of His people, the Church.”
He added that he’s also looking forward to hearing confessions, and all the other ways that the priest gets to bring Christ into people’s lives.
“When people seek out the priest, they are truly seeking out an encounter with Jesus, and I hope to bring the presence of Christ into the lives of the people I meet to the best of my poor ability, and with the help of God’s grace.”
CNH: What are some of your interests/hobbies?
Father Brock: Playing piano and guitar, reading
CNH: Any comments to the people of the Diocese of Charlotte about becoming a transitional deacon here?
Father Brock: I am very excited to begin ministry as a transitional deacon here in the Diocese of Charlotte. Being a deacon will allow me to serve the people of God in new ways, and I am looking forward to seeing how God will use me to serve His Church during my time as a deacon.
CNH: When did you first hear the call to a vocation to the priesthood?
Father Brock: Being a priest was something I was attracted towards ever since I was a boy. However, it was in high school that I began to really take the possibility of a vocation seriously. The Quo Vadis Days retreat( a discernment camp in the diocese), which I attended for multiple summers, played a huge role in my discernment, and being an altar server played an important role as well.
CNH: Who did you first talk to about your vocation?
Father Brock: I especially talked with priests at the Quo Vadis Days retreat, as well as my parents.
CNH: What type of feedback or advice did you get from them?
Father Brock: My parents were always very supportive of me as I discerned the possibility of a vocation to the priesthood. The priests I spoke to gave me very helpful advice to guide me in my discernment process.
CNH: How did you go about discerning where you felt called to explore your possible vocation?
Father Brock: Time spent in prayer, especially in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, was instrumental in my discernment. Asking for advice from trusted priests was also very beneficial.
CNH: Tell us about what you have been doing as part of your discernment process
Father Brock: The most important thing is certainly daily time spent in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. As I move toward ordination, reflecting on my vocational journey and the way the Lord has led me throughout my whole life, and especially in seminary, gives me a deep sense of gratitude and strengthens my belief that I am indeed called to serve as a priest.
CNH: What advice do you have for a young man discerning a call to the priesthood?
Father Brock: I would say that the most beneficial thing you can do is to deepen your relationship with Jesus Christ as much as possible. Time spent in prayer, especially in Eucharistic Adoration, is incredibly helpful. Also, do not be afraid to reach out to a trusted priest for advice.
CNH: What do you think has helped you the most to discern God’s will for your vocation?
Father Brock: Consistent time spent in prayer has certainly been the most helpful thing. I also think that spending time serving in a parish, whenever possible, is a great way to discern. I have generally found a great deal of peace and joy when I am in a parish setting, and this strengthens my belief that I am called to the priesthood.
Father Chinonso Nnebe-Agumadu
Home parish: St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Charlotte
Birthplace: Washington, D.C.
Birthday: Oct. 24, 1995
Raised in: Charlotte Family: Parents - Samuel Nnebe-Agumadu (deceased) and Uche Nnebe-Agumadu; siblings - Arize, Ijeamaka, Munachi, Tobenna, Chukwuma
College: North Carolina A&T State University
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Biology
Pre-Theology: Pontifical College Josephinum, Columbus Ohio
Theology: Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, Cincinnati, Ohio
Summer assignments in the diocese: St. Ann Church in Charlotte, Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury, St. Therese Church in Mooresville and St. Mark Church in Huntersville.
‘I have been aided by the prayers and support of many of the faithful, and so I can’t wait to give my life for them.’
Born in Washington, D.C., in 1995, Father Chinonso Nnebe-Agumadu spent many of his formative years in Nigeria. He and his family returned to the United States when Father Nnebe-Agumadu was a sophomore in high school. They moved to the Charlotte area, and he attended Gaston Christian School in Gastonia until graduation. His home parish is St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte.
The son of Samuel (deceased) and Uche Nnebe-Agumadu, he has five siblings: Arize, Ijeamaka, Munachi, Tobenna and Chukwuma. He said he first became interested in the priesthood in the fourth grade, the same year he received his First Holy Communion and became an altar server.
“I was always excited to see what the priest was doing at Mass,” he recalled. “It was, however, the summer before my senior year in high school that I had a profound experience that really got me to take the thought of being a priest more seriously.”
He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in biology at North Carolina A&T State University. When he decided to enter the seminary, his first step was earning a pre-theology degree at Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio. He recently earned a Master of Arts in Theology and Master of Divinity from Mount St. Mary’s Seminary & School of Theology in Cincinnati.
As his June 17 ordination to the priesthood approached, Father Nnebe-Agumadu said he was nervous but more excited than anything else.
“I’m nervous because this is not an easy task, but I’m excited to see how God will use me as His priest in the mission of giving Him glory and drawing souls to Him,” he said.
Recalling his path to the priesthood, he added, “As this great day approaches, I can’t help but look back at the formation I have received these past six years and trust that they have prepared me well for the life ahead. And in those six years, I have been aided by the prayers and support of many of the faithful, and so I can’t wait to give my life for them.”
CNH: What are some of your interests/hobbies?
Father Nnebe-Agumadu: I like to read, play soccer, and bake.
CNH: Any comments to the people of the Diocese of Charlotte about becoming a transitional deacon here?
Father Nnebe-Agumadu: I am really excited about becoming a transitional deacon here in the Diocese of Charlotte. I recall my first day in seminary, when I recognized that this new journey would be different from any other thing I had done. So it is with becoming a transitional deacon. I am excited to make the different promises to the bishop, and also to proclaim the Gospel to the faithful people of this diocese who have been so kind and generous with me. It is a new way of life for sure, but I am happy with the formation and training I have received from this diocese to help me to be a good and faithful deacon.
CNH: When did you first hear the call to a vocation to the priesthood?
Father Nnebe-Agumadu: I believe the first time I considered a vocation to the priesthood was when I was in fourth grade, the same year I received my first Holy Communion. I think that was also the year I became an altar server, and I remember that I was always excited to see what the priest was doing at Mass. It was however the summer before my senior year in high school that I had a profound experience that really got me to take the thought of being a priest more seriously.
CNH: Who did you first talk to about your vocation?
Father Nnebe-Agumadu: I talked to my parents and siblings first about my vocation. I also think I told everyone, if I am being honest. I can remember a lot of my extended family members calling me “Father Nonso” at such a young age. I probably told a couple of priests then, but I can’t remember what they told me then. Fast forward to senior year of high school when I really considered the vocation, I told Father Frank Cancro, who was my pastor at that time at Queen of the Apostles Parish in Belmont.
CNH: What type of feedback or advice did you get from them?
Father Nnebe-Agumadu: Overall I got positive feedback from all whom I informed. They prayed for me and encouraged me to spend time in prayer. My dad was the one who first encouraged me to spend time with Our Lord in Eucharistic Adoration. I was pretty young when I told them I was considering a vocation, but their reaction was always supportive. My parents and siblings had the mindset of doing whatever they could to help me discern properly. When certain things did not work out, they would always encourage me to trust in God’s plan. Father Frank always encouraged me to develop a strong prayer life, and he was willing to put me in positions to be of service to the Church. He actually encouraged me to wait until I was finished with college before applying to seminary, and I am glad that he did, because there was a lot of maturing that took place for me in college.
CNH: How did you go about discerning where you felt called to explore your possible vocation?
Father Nnebe-Agumadu: I started to pray more, the rosary especially, and while I was in college, I started going to Mass more times during the week and spending more time in Eucharistic Adoration. I originally was interested with discerning with the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), but it did not work out after I had a couple of phone calls with them. I had first considered them because of their influence in my dad’s life, and probably because they were the priests I had heard the most about. But after reflecting on my life, I realized that the priests who had influenced me the most were diocesan priests. So after some prayer and guidance, I thought it worthwhile to consider them. Providentially in the same year the plan with the Jesuits did not work out, Father Marcel Amadi became my campus minister in college, and he was of huge help to me then.
CNH: How and when did you reach out to the Vocations Office at the diocese?
Father Nnebe-Agumadu: I believe I reached out to the vocations office after attending Quo Vadis Days (a discernment camp in the diocese) in the summer of 2015. I have Father James Duong of St. Benedict Church to thank for introducing me to camp. After such a good experience at Quo Vadis Days, I contacted Father Christopher Gober (diocesan vocations director) to inform him that I was considering the priesthood.
CNH: Tell us about what you have been doing as part of your discernment process.
FatherNnebe-Agumadu: One of the things I have tried to do is a daily Holy Hour. Particularly, I always like to start my day with a Holy Hour, to sanctify the day. I consider Mary very influential in my vocation, so I like to say the rosary every day, and offer myself to her every morning and evening. Spiritual reading has also been important for me. I like reading and meditating on the works of the saints, so that by their very example and wisdom, I may learn to grow closer to the Lord.
CNH: What advice do you have for a young man discerning a call to the priesthood?
Father Nnebe-Agumadu: Do not be afraid of the call! Do not run away from it! Do not be afraid to bring your worries and anxieties to God in prayer. Let Christ, Mary and the saints be your friends at this time. Go to Mass frequently, spend time with the Lord in Eucharistic Adoration, say the rosary and seek the saints’ intercession, particularly your confirmation saint. I was once told that “you don’t choose your confirmation saint, your confirmation saint chooses you.” This advice has helped me in my vocation and has drawn me closer to my confirmation saint, St. Ildephonsus. Never be afraid to empty yourself so as to make room for the will of God in your life.
CNH: What do you think has helped you the most to discern God’s will for your vocation?
Father Nnebe-Agumadu: Spiritual direction for sure. I am very thankful for the priests I have had as spiritual directors who have been there to guide and direct me especially in moments of difficulty.
Our Blessed Mother has also been a big help. She has brought me such joy and peace through praying the rosary and through her many intercessions. I also have her to thank for helping to draw me closer to St. Ildephonsus, whom I now constantly seek his intercession.
Another big thing has been fraternity with brother seminarians both in the diocese and in the different seminaries I have attended. The seminary was truly the first place I experienced such fraternity that encouraged me more towards my goal.
Most importantly has been the time spent with Our Lord in prayer and in silence. You just know that the journey is worth it, when you know that the Lord loves you.
Being able to experience His love, goodness, care and compassion every day in prayer and in Mass, just confirms to me that if priesthood is what I am called to do, then God’s got me, and that is really satisfying.
Father Peter Rusciolelli
Home parish: St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte
Birthplace: Charlotte
Birthday: Aug. 21, 1997
Raised in: Waxhaw
Family: Parents - William and Deborah Rusciolelli; siblings - Sister Therese Marie (formerly Molly), Nathanael, Abigail, William, John Paul, Noah, Bridget and Celeste
College: St. Joseph College Seminary
Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Belmont Abbey College
Theology: Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, Cincinnati, Ohio
Summer assignments in the diocese: St. Mark Church in Huntersville; St. Jude Church in Sapphire Valley and Our Lady of the Mountains Mission in Highlands; St. John the Baptist Church in Tryon, St. Ann Church in Charlotte.
What shall I render to the Lord for all His bounty to me?’
Born in 1997, Deacon Peter Rusciolelli grew up in Waxhaw, North Carolina, with his eight siblings: Sister Therese Marie (formerly Molly), Nathanael, Abigail, William, John Paul, Noah, Bridget and Celeste.
The son of William and Deborah Rusciolelli, he enjoyed an active, faith-filled childhood. He was homeschooled until he entered college and said his discernment process was gradual, beginning at age 15. By the time he was 18, he had decided to enter St. Joseph College Seminary where he earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy.
He recently earned his Master of Arts in Theology and Master of Divinity from Mount St. Mary’s Seminary & School of Theology in Cincinnati, Ohio, and his home parish is St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte.
Because he was born and raised in the Diocese of Charlotte, Father Rusciolelli said he is looking forward to serving the faithful who have given him so much.
As his June 17 ordination to the priesthood drew near, he reflected on this pivotal moment in his life.
“I am very excited for my ordination day as it is something I have been anticipating, thinking and praying about for a long time,” he said. “I am extremely grateful for the graces Our Lord has given me to follow His holy will, as well as for all those who have supported me in so many ways during these years.”
CNH: What are some of your interests/hobbies?
Father Rusciolelli: I enjoy playing sports, outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, hunting, camping etc., fixing and building things, reading and studying philosophy, theology and liberal arts.
CNH: Any comments to the people of the Diocese of Charlotte about becoming a transitional deacon here?
Father Rusciolelli: Having been born and raised in the Diocese of Charlotte, I am very excited to be ordained and to begin to serve within this diocese. During my time as a transitional deacon and future ministry as a priest, I look forward giving back to the faithful who have given me so much.
CNH: When did you first hear the call to a vocation to the priesthood?
Father Rusciolelli: It was gradual, in the sense that there was no one moment. I began discerning God’s will for my life when I was about 15 and by the time I was 18 I had made the decision to enter seminary.
CNH: Who did you first talk to about your vocation, and what advice did you get from them?
Father Rusciolelli: I spoke with my spiritual director and a friend. I was always encouraged to pursue God’s will for my life and to continue praying, particularly praying the breviary (Liturgy of the Hours).
CNH: How did you go about discerning where you felt called to explore your possible vocation?
Father Rusciolelli: I continued praying about my vocation, stopping at Adoration for time before the Blessed Sacrament, prayed the rosary and the breviary, talked about my concerns with my spiritual director, etc.
CNH: How and when did you reach out to the Vocations Office at the diocese?
Father Rusciolelli: I reached out to the Vocations Office at the diocese around Christmas time in the year of 2015. I emailed Father Christopher Gober (diocesan vocations director) and then had a subsequent meeting with him.
CNH: Tell us about what you have been doing as part of your discernment process.
Father Rusciolelli: I have continued my prayers and built upon them. I have meditated on the priesthood, studied it, and continued to talk about it with spiritual directors and formation advisers. I have read books on it and lived the life, as best as one is able, that a diocesan priest might be called to live.
CNH: What advice do you have for a young man discerning a call to the priesthood?
Father Rusciolelli: I would advise prayer and spiritual direction. One must discern God’s vocation for their life by having self-knowledge and remaining open to the will of God. Meditative prayer is necessary for this and a spiritual director can help one understand what God is saying in prayer. Also, talking with priests and seminarians about their experience, reading books on the topic, living the life and discerning whether this lifestyle brings peace and joy and the other fruits of the Holy Spirit – these are all helpful ways to discern a vocation. One must also pray for and work on obtaining a trust in God to make a decision without knowing or controlling all the outcomes.
CNH: What do you think has helped you the most to discern God’s will for your vocation?
Father Rusciolelli: Faithfulness and consistency in prayer.
New priests’ parents reflect on their son’s call to the priesthood
Steve and Susan Brock: Father Christopher Brock’s parents
We noticed Christopher’s calling when he was a very young child. When he was 2 or 3, he had a white plastic cookie he would keep in his pocket. Christopher called it his “Body of Christ.” One day he offered it to a neighbor. In addition, he has always said he wanted to become a priest. The various talents – intelligence, personality, willingness to serve, sacrificial spirit – that God gifted him with were all compatible with that desire.
The most important thing we did to nurture his faith besides living a Catholic family life, was that we homeschooled him. Keeping our kids out of the mainstream culture influences, and focusing their studies based on traditional Catholic teaching, has been a lifeline to keeping our kids rooted in the faith.
As a family, we prayed the rosary and attended daily Mass, assisted with the needs of the Church. There was no television. We looked for opportunities to share our faith with those of other religions. We made an effort to live our Catholic faith with 100 percent fidelity. This included standing up for what we believe and boycotting companies that support immorality even if that meant our lives would be more difficult. We didn’t put a lot of value in material things, and we focused on helping those in need.
In the days leading up to his ordination, our thoughts have been centered in gratitude as we see our son answering God’s call. The path Christopher has chosen will be challenging because the devil tries harder to win over those who have chosen to follow Christ more closely. However, it is comforting knowing that he has chosen to focus his life on heavenly things and will be surrounded by Christ’s grace in his efforts to be holy.
We are in awe and find it difficult to put into words our thoughts and feelings as our son becomes an “alter Christus.” We hope that anyone who reads this will say a prayer for him.
Uche Nnebe-Agumadu: Father Chinonso Nnebe-Agumadu’s mother
I was not aware of Chinonso’s call to the priesthood until he was in college, when he occasionally he would talk about it. While in high school, he was an altar server at Queen of the Apostles Church in Belmont. On one occasion, an unknown elderly woman walked up to the music director and told her about Chinonso’s intended call to the priesthood. She said she saw a light halo on his head throughout the Mass which, according to her, is a sign of priesthood.
I believe strongly in family stability as a foundation for spiritual and self-development. I worked hard to have a stable, loving and supportive family that was a home for all in our African context. We, the parents, tried to make our Christianity as practical as possible through everyday charitable deeds and commitment to our
Catholic values. Praying together as a family was paramount.
Chinonso’s dad was an ardent devotee to Our Lady and the rosary as well as the Precious Blood devotions, and we all joined him on this path. Chinonso and his siblings grew up saying a daily rosary, sometimes reluctantly. I was often a part of this reluctance!
The rosary, nonetheless, remains my favorite personal devotion which I do at my own time, and together with the Divine Mercy Chaplet, I offer prayers for Chinonso.
As his ordination neared, I had mixed feelings of joy, gratitude, and occasional sadness. Sometimes, I feel like I am losing him to the Church. I am also conscious of the fact that his dad, who supported him so much on this journey, will not be there to witness his ordination.
My predominant state of mind is, nevertheless, joyful.
I am proud of his determination and resilience and his willingness to push on even when his twin brother didn’t want to join him in the seminary. I pray for him to remain joyful and be at peace as we walk toward his ordination.
William and Deborah Rusciolelli: Father Peter Rusciolelli’s parents
As a child, Peter and his brothers and sisters would “play Mass,” and he would often be the priest. Later as a teenager and as an altar server, Peter eagerly volunteered to serve Mass as often as possible.
Not only was he very serious about his responsibilities but he also carefully observed and absorbed the roles and responsibilities of the priest, the deacons and the parts of the Mass.
Looking back, putting importance on family unity may have been a big influence on his vocation. As a family, we did our best to attend Mass together and have daily prayer time and dinners together. We would discuss our faith and try to recognize how our beliefs are demonstrated in our day-to-day activities. As we approached ordination day, we reflected on how very proud we are of his hard work and devotion over the past seven years to his studies in seminary and his faith.
We don’t know where God will lead him in this vocation, but for now, we are excited that he has finally made it to where his heart has been leading him: to be consecrated for the Lord.
— Catholic News Herald
The rite of ordination
Calling of the Candidates: In the ordination rite, after the opening prayers of the Mass and the scripture readings, the presentation of the candidate takes place. The candidate responds, “Present,” (in Latin, “Adsum”) steps forward and makes a sign of reverence.
Presentation, Inquiry and Acceptance: Bishop Jugis then asks for testimony that the candidate has received proper training and is worthy of ordination. Father Christopher Gober, diocesan vocation director, attests that the candidate is prepared. The bishop then says: “Relying on the help of the Lord God and our Savior Jesus Christ, we choose this man, our brother, for the Order of the Priesthood.” The people respond “Thanks be to God,” and also give their approval by a hearty round of applause.
Examination of the Candidate: After the homily, the candidate approaches Bishop Jugis, who asks him if he is willing to serve Christ and His Church as a faithful priest. The examination concludes with this exchange: Bishop Jugis, “Do you resolve to be united more closely every day to Christ the High Priest, who offered Himself for us to the Father as a perfect sacrifice, and with Him to consecrate yourself to God for the salvation of all?” Candidate, “I do, with the help of God.”
Promise of Obedience: The candidate then promises obedience to the authority of the Church and to his own religious superiors, as he kneels before Bishop Jugis. Why? The bishop is the head of the local Church. St. Ignatius of Antioch said the bishop is “typos tou Patros” – he is like the living image of God the Father. (CCC 1549) “The promise of obedience they make to the bishop at the moment of ordination and the kiss of peace from him at the end of the ordination liturgy mean that the bishop considers them his co-workers, his sons, his brothers and his friends, and that they in return owe him love and obedience.” (CCC 1567)
Prayer for the Candidates: Bishop Jugis kneels and invites all of those present to join in prayer for the candidate. This period of prayer includes the Litany of the Saints. The chanting of the Litany of the Saints is an especially moving and memorable moment in the ordination ritual. The candidate prostrates himself before the altar as the prayers of the Litany invoke God’s saving mercy and the intercession of all the saints to send down the Holy Spirit upon this man, soon to be a priest. The Litany of the Saints is an ancient prayer. The Catholic Encyclopedia says, “It was used in the ‘Litania Septiformis’ of St. Gregory the Great, and in the procession of St. Mamertus. In the Eastern Church, litanies with the invocation of saints were employed in the days of St. Basil (d. 379) and of St. Gregory Thaumaturgus (d. about 270). It is not known when or by whom the litany was composed, but the order in which the Apostles are given, corresponding with that of the Canon of the Mass, proves its antiquity.”
Imposition of hands: This is an outward sign of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Just as Jesus conferred His priesthood on His Apostles, so too does the bishop and other priests lay hands upon the ordinand. It is the most ancient and universal outward ritual of the Church. “The laying on of hands by the bishop, with the consecratory prayer, constitutes the visible sign” of ordination. (CCC 1538) In this moment, as Bishop Jugis lays his hands upon the head of the kneeling ordinand, he prays silently for the invocation of the Holy Spirit. All the other priests who are present also join in the ordination ceremony. Each one in turn lays his hands silently upon the head of the candidate. This signifies that they all belong to, and participate in, the one priesthood of Jesus Christ. It is also a sign welcoming the newly ordained into the common brotherhood as priest
Prayer of Consecration: Bishop Jugis prays: “Grant, we pray, Almighty Father, to this, your servant, the dignity of the priesthood; renew deep within him the Spirit of holiness; may he henceforth possess this office which comes from You, O God, and is next in rank to the office of Bishop; and by the example of his manner of life, may he instill right conduct. May he be a worthy coworker with our Order, so that by his preaching and through the grace of the Holy Spirit the words of the Gospel may bear fruit in human hearts and reach even to the ends of the earth.”
Vesting the New Priest: The newly-ordained priest now removes his deacon’s stole and is presented with the symbols of his new office in the Church: a priestly stole and chasuble. This is called the investiture.
Anointing of the Hands: Bishop Jugis anoints the palms of the new priest with sacred chrism, praying, “The Lord Jesus Christ, whom the Father anointed with the Holy Spirit and power, guard and preserve you that you may sanctify the Christian people and offer sacrifice to God.” After the anointing with the oil, the priest’s hands are wrapped with a linen cloth. Anointing with sacred oil, or chrism, symbolizes the Holy Spirit. It is another ancient ritual that has Old Testament roots.
Presentation of the Gifts: After the gifts of bread and wine are brought to the altar, Bishop Jugis gives to the new priest a chalice containing the wine, mixed with water, and the paten holding the bread. These are the sacred vessels used at each Mass to hold the Body and Blood of Christ in the Eucharist. As the priest receives the chalice and the paten, Bishop Jugis says: “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.”
Kiss of Peace: Lastly, Bishop Jugis gives the kiss of peace to the new priest, saying: “Peace be with you.” The Mass continues as usual, with the new priest concelebrating fully in his first Eucharistic sacrifice, standing closest to Bishop Jugis in a place of honor before the altar. The new priest also helps distribute Holy Communion.
Why does the Church ordain priests?
The rite of ordination is more than an “election” or “delegation” of someone as a priest. The sacrament “confers a gift of the Holy Spirit that permits the exercise of a ‘sacred power’ which can come only from Christ Himself through His Church.” (CCC 1538) The divine grace received through this rite sets these men apart – consecrates them, invests them – within the Church and gives them a unique mission among the People of God.
Why are only men ordained priests?
Jesus chose 12 men as His Apostles, conferring upon them the mission to serve in His place on earth, and the Apostles did the same when they chose others to join and to succeed them. The Church is bound by the choice that Jesus Himself made, so it’s not possible for women to be ordained. Though in earlier times there were several semi-clerical ranks of women in the Church (called deaconesses), they were not admitted to orders properly so called and had no spiritual authority. They ministered to women in particular, in instances where customs called for men and women to remain separate.
An indelible mark
Holy orders is one of three sacraments that have an indelible spiritual character – that is, they cannot be repeated or rescinded. The others are baptism and confirmation. From the moment of his ordination, a priest’s vocation and mission mark him permanently. (CCC 1583)
Like the sacrament of marriage, in which men and women give themselves totally to each other and grow in holiness together, holy orders is directed toward the salvation of others through the gift of oneself. “They confer a particular mission in the Church and serve to build up the People of God. … Those who receive the sacrament of holy orders are consecrated in Christ’s name ‘to feed the Church by the word and grace of God.’” (CCC 1534-1535) A priest acts “in persona Christi” – that is, he acts with the authority of Christ, representing the person of Christ in administering the sacraments and shepherding the faithful – and “in nomine ecclesiae,” in the name of the Church. That doesn’t mean a priest is perfect! That just means that in administering the sacraments, the power of the Holy Spirit is assured.
‘The voice and hands of Christ’
In his 1990 address “On the Nature of the Priesthood,” then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (now Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI) said: “Jesus gave His power to the Apostles in such a way that He made their ministry, as it were, a continuation of His own mission. ‘He who receives you receives me,’ He Himself says to the Twelve (Mt 10:40; cf. Lk 10:16; Jn 13:10).”
He added, “If Church usage calls ordination to the ministry of priesthood a ‘sacrament,’ the following is meant: This man is in no way performing functions for which he is highly qualified by his own natural ability nor is he doing the things that please him most and that are most profitable. On the contrary, the one who receives the sacrament is sent to give what he cannot give of his own strength; he is sent to act in the person of another, to be his living instrument. For this reason no human being can declare himself a priest; for this reason, too, no community can promote a person to this ministry by its own decree. Only from the sacrament, which belongs to God, can priesthood be received. Mission can only be received from the One who sends, from Christ in His sacrament, through which a person becomes the voice and the hands of Christ in the world.”
(From left) Newly ordained Fathers Chinonso Nnebe-Agumadu, Christopher Brock and Peter Rusciolelli. (Travis Burton of TO2 Photography for the Catholic News Herald)
(Photo by Mike Fitzgerald)Father Nnebe-Agumadu offered his first Mass of Thanksgiving at 2 p.m., Sunday, June 18, at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte. Mass was followed by a parish potluck and reception in honor of his ordination.
Father Rusciolelli offered his first Mass of Thanksgiving at 9 a.m. Sunday June 18, at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte. A reception followed in the Family Life Center.
Home parish: St. Vincent de Paul Church, Charlotte
Home parish: St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Charlotte
Home parish: St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte