SAN BERNARDINO—Though an even bigger Ordination looms in just a matter of months, the significance of his Ordination to the Transitional Diaconate was not lost on Ian Hollick.
On December 19, Hollick was ordained at Our Lady of Hope Parish in San Bernardino, where he has been serving his internship as a diocesan seminarian. Bishop Alberto Rojas served as the Chief Celebrant. In making vows of celibacy, obedience and prayers for the Church, Hollick said his Ordination as a transitional deacon marked a significant step for him on his way to becoming a priest.
“It’s an indelible mark to the soul and actual promises are made,” he said. “It’s like betrothment.
Hollick, born and raised in the Corona area, calls himself a “son of the Diocese.” He entered the Diocesan Seminarian program in 2012. He is scheduled to be ordained to the priesthood in May.
“I would like to thank the faithful of the Diocese for praying for me,” he said. “I wouldn’t have made it this far without them.”
Hollick’s Ordination Mass was held outdoors with a limit of 100 people in attendance, per current public gathering restrictions in San Bernardino County to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus. His family and close friends were able to share the moment with him, but he said there are many friends, supporters and fellow seminarians that he would have otherwise wished to have there with him. The Ordination was also livestreamed on the Diocesan YouTube Channel.
The simple and downscaled nature of his Ordination due to the pandemic called to mind the message of the liturgical Season, Advent, in which the Mass took place, Hollick noted.
“It’s a reminder that we’re all waiting for something very important,” he said. “Not just for Christmas, not just for the end of COVID-19, not just for the end of civil unrest. More importantly, we’re waiting for the coming of our Savior.”