Seminarian Nathanial Hall was admitted to candidacy for Holy Orders during a Mass celebrated by Bishop Gregory Kelly on July 31, the Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Tyler.
Admission to candidacy is an important step for each seminarian as he journeys toward the priesthood. It is an opportunity for the seminarian to publicly express his intention to receive the sacrament of Holy Orders.
According to the Church’s ritual book for the celebration, “The Rite of Admission is celebrated when it has been established that the intention of those aspiring to Holy Orders is supported by the necessary qualifications and has achieved sufficient maturity. The intention of receiving Holy Orders is to be expressed publicly by the aspirants. The Bishop…publicly accepts the aspirant’s intention.”
The third of seven children, Hall converted to the Catholic Faith with his family when he was 10 years old. A parishioner of St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Athens and a graduate of Athens High School, Hall’s discernment for the priesthood began when he was 16. Inspired by the priests, seminarians, and laity who influenced his discernment and prayer life, Hall applied to be a seminarian for the Diocese of Tyler, entering formation immediately after graduating from high school. Hall will continue his studies at St. Mary’s Seminary in Houstin this Fall.
Following the Mass and Rite of Admission, the diocesan Office of Stewardship and Development hosted the “Seminarian Send-Off” and reception. This annual event provides an opportunity for donors throughout the diocese to meet the seminarians and visit with their families before the men return to seminary.
Hall is among 14 seminarians for the diocese, including one new seminarian accepted for the 2026-27 academic year.
For pictures from this event visit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/dioceseoftyler/albums/72177720334991859
