‘Carry out the Church’s apostolic mission’
HUNTERSVILLE — The Diocese of Charlotte has welcomed two new priests during this Year of St. Joseph: Father Jacob Mlakar and Father Jonathan Torres were ordained during a Mass celebrated by Bishop Peter Jugis July 24 at St. Mark Church.
This year’s ordination Mass was noticeably more subdued due to the COVID-19 pandemic, yet hundreds of people were in attendance, including a representative group of priests and deacons. Measures including face coverings and social distancing were put in place to minimize the public health risk.
Seated before the sanctuary at the start of the two-hour Mass, both men were presented for ordination to the bishop by Father Christopher Gober, director of vocations for the diocese.
“Most Reverend Father, Holy Mother Church asks you to ordain these, our brothers, to the responsibility of the priesthood,” Father Gober said. Upon Bishop Jugis’ inquiry as to their worthiness, Father Gober affirmed it and Bishop Jugis accepted them for the order of the priesthood. Applause erupted from the faithful gathered for the celebration.
“Deacon Jacob and Deacon Jonathan, you have been chosen for the order of the priesthood,” Bishop Jugis said to begin his homily.
“Upon entering today this sacred office, you now join me and your brother priests in the important work of carrying out the apostolic mission entrusted to us by Christ.
That mission, which Jesus gave to the Apostles as reported by St. Mark, is ‘Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.’”
The Church’s apostolic mission has been passed on to us to fulfill in the Charlotte diocese, he said, and the diocese’s two newest priests have an important role to play in continuing that mission.
“Through your ordination as priests of Christ’s new covenant of grace and salvation, through the laying on of hands and the prayer of ordination, you receive the special anointing of the Holy Spirit, which bestows an indelible spiritual character on you – consecrating you as priests and configuring you to Christ the High Priest.”
Through their priestly ministry to the faithful, Jesus Christ Himself will be made present, Bishop Jugis told the men.
“You act in the person of Christ, the teacher, the priest and shepherd. You are to teach the truth of the faith that has been handed on to us from the Apostles – the truth of Jesus’ Gospel.
“Remember that Jesus is the way and the truth and the life.”
“Through your ministry, you will shepherd the flock of Christ on its way to salvation – not domineering over the flock, but in a spirit of service; after the example of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve,” he told them.
“Christ Jesus, the teacher, the priest and the shepherd, is your model to follow as His priest.”
Bishop Jugis then reiterated the four priorities of his episcopacy: the Eucharist, catechesis, vocations and evangelization.
Over the past 16 years, these four priorities have guided his work and the work of the diocese in leading the faithful, and all of them “involve very profoundly the ministry of the priest,” he noted.
The first three strengthen the faith and holiness of the faithful to love and serve God and each other, he said, and the fourth looks to the Church’s ministry in the community and the world.
Bishop Jugis concluded his homily with a prayer to St. Joseph, in honor of 2020 as the Year of St. Joseph.
“Using the words of a popular prayer to St. Joseph,” he said, “let us ask Almighty God to bless, sanctify and consecrate these chosen men who are to be ordained priests.”
After the homily, Bishop Jugis asked the men a series of questions to express their desire and willingness to be ordained priests and to fulfill the responsibilities that come with ordination. Then, one at a time, the men approached the bishop, placing their hands in his to signify obedience to him and to the Church.
The Litany of Supplication followed, during which the men lay prostrate before the altar as Bishop Jugis and everyone gathered at the Mass knelt in prayer and the Litany of the Saints was chanted.
Then they arose and approached the bishop, who laid his hands on their heads. During this most solemn moment of the ordination rite, Bishop Jugis prayed silently over them for the Holy Spirit to descend upon them.
Other priests of the diocese then took their turn laying hands on the newly ordained priests, joining the bishop in invoking the Holy Spirit to come upon the two men.
During the vesting portion of the ordination rite, Father Mlakar was vested by Father John Allen, parochial administrator of St. Matthew Church. Father Torres was vested by Father Timothy Reid, pastor of St. Ann Church in Charlotte.
During Communion each of the newly ordained priests was able to offer the Eucharist, which they consecrated along with Bishop Jugis and the other priests present, to their parents and families.
The family of Michael Kitson, a seminarian for the Diocese of Charlotte who died suddenly on Divine Mercy Sunday in 2014, attended the Mass. The flowers placed by the statue of the Blessed Mother for the Mass were in memory of Kitson.
Your DSA contributions at work
Our seminarians’ education is partially funded by the annual Diocesan Support Appeal. For information on making a gift to support seminarian education through the DSA, contact Barb De Mase, associate director of development, at 704-370-3302 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
At the end of Mass, Bishop Jugis announced that Father Mlakar has been assigned as parochial vicar of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte. Father Torres has been assigned as parochial vicar of Immaculate Conception Church in Hendersonville.
— SueAnn Howell and Kimberly Bender, Catholic News Herald. Photos by SueAnn Howell and Amy Burger
Meet our two newest priests
-
Meet our two newest priests
Father Jacob Mlakar
Home parish: St. Matthew Church, CharlotteCity of birth: Akron, Ohio
Birthday: April 10, 1992
Raised in: Hudson, Ohio (moved to Waxhaw in 2007)
Family: Parents Bruce and Marilyn Mlakar, sibling Nicholas
High School: Marvin Ridge High School, Marvin
College: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Degree: Bachelor of Arts in history and religious studies
Pre-Theology: Pontifical College Josephinum, Columbus, Ohio; earned Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
Theology: Pontifical North American College, Rome; earned Bachelor of Sacred Theology at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, and a Licentiate in Sacred Theology at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas
Summer assignments in the Diocese: St. Eugene Church, Asheville; St. Mark Church, Huntersville; St. Vincent de Paul Church, Charlotte
CNH: What are some of your interests/hobbies?
Mlakar: I love to read, hike and watch good movies. I especially enjoy reading history and religious books. I also love to spend time with friends and family.
CNH: When did you first realize you had a vocation to the priesthood?
Mlakar: I grew up Catholic, but being a priest was not something I thought about when I was younger. In high school and college, I became more involved with my faith, and I found a vibrant Catholic community when I went to UNC. This caused me to think and pray more about what God was calling me to do with my life, and it was in the middle of my sophomore year of college when I first strongly felt the call to the priesthood. I prayed about it often and began to meet with my pastor in Charlotte, Monsignor John McSweeney, who was a great source of encouragement. By the time I graduated college, I knew I had to take the next step and apply for the seminary. Following the path of this vocation is something that has continued to bring a great peace and joy to my life.
CNH: Who is vesting you at the ordination? Why did you choose this particular priest?
Mlakar: Father John Allen, parochial administrator of St. Matthew Church, will be vesting me at the ordination. When I began my seminary formation at the Pontifical College Josephinum, he was serving there as a spiritual director and vice president for advancement. He has been a mentor and friend ever since, and I am very thankful for his priestly example. I am also grateful for his hospitality in having me stay at St. Matthew Church these past few months to complete my studies online and prepare for ordination.
CNH: Are there any comments you would like to share with our readers about serving as a priest here in the Diocese of Charlotte?
Mlakar: I am happy to call Charlotte my home, and I am excited to serve here as a priest! The Catholic priesthood exists for the good of the faithful, so I look forward to serving the people of God here how ever I can, especially by providing the sacraments that Christ gave to His Church. Thank you for all of your prayers and encouragement.
Father Jonathan Torres
Home parish: St. Thomas Aquinas Church, CharlotteCity of birth: New York City
Birthday: Jan. 31, 1988
Raised in: Charlotte since 2003
Family: Parents John and Lucy Torres, siblings Matthew, Elisa, Sarah, Joseph, Maria, Anna, Max and XavierHigh School: Homeschool
College: Belmont Abbey College,
Degree: Bachelor of Arts in English literature
Pre-Theology: Pontifical College Josephinum, Columbus, Ohio
Theology: Pontifical College Josephinum, Columbus, Ohio
Summer assignments in the diocese: St. Ann Church, Charlotte; St. Mark Church, Huntersville; St. Therese Church, Mooresville
CNH: What are some of your interests/hobbies?
Torres: Tennis with my siblings Matthew and Elisa, writing fiction, and reading fictionCNH: When did you first realize you had a vocation to the priesthood?
Torres: Growing up, I always wanted to get married and have a family like my parents did. It was my brother Matthew who always wanted to be a priest (as fate would have it, Matthew is now married and has three kids, while I’m becoming a priest).During my time at Belmont Abbey, I began to study literature, which did wonders for my faith. While I grew up in a good Catholic family, my experience of Catholicism had become rather dull. For years, the practice of my faith felt too routine. Studying literature at Belmont Abbey helped me see how beautiful my Catholic faith was. In particular, reading Dante’s “Divine Comedy” was a major factor in me coming to love my faith in a new way. I had known the truths of my faith all my life, but it wasn’t until I experienced its beauty expressed in classic literature that I began to desire God more. Needless to say, my faith, which had become mundane, had now become something I was passionate about. Having a good group of friends at Belmont Abbey to discuss new ideas we learned in our literature, philosophy and theology classes was something that consumed all of my time.
After graduating I wanted to be a novelist, where I could express the same beauty that inspired me to live an all-consuming Christian life. I landed an editing job at St. Benedict Press, where I worked with renowned professors from all around the country to create “Catholic Courses,” a video lecture series on topics such as history, literature, philosophy, theology and scripture. It fit well with my love of literature and my Catholic background. However, after working there for a year, I felt something lacking in my life.
In the summer of 2013, a good friend of mine entered the seminary. When he came back the next summer to begin his first summer assignment, he invited me to dinner with a few priests of Charlotte (Fathers Patrick Winslow, Matthew Kauth and Timothy Reid). Something happened during that dinner.
It was as though scales fell from my eyes, and I saw before me men who did not live compartmentalized lives.
During my year at St. Benedict Press, I felt like I had divided my life in a very unappealing way: I had my faith life on Sunday, my work life during the week, and my social life on the weekends. I knew I wanted something more – something fuller and more encompassing. The life of a priest was the answer to that desire.Further, the concepts of epic adventures, perilous journeys and a hero’s quest for goodness that I fell in love with in so many stories in the literature that kindled the fire for my faith, found its fulfillment in the priesthood. The idea I could experience life to the fullest in a single day (from baptizing a child, to celebrating a wedding, to presiding over a funeral) filled me with awe.
CNH: Who is vesting you at the ordination? Why did you choose this particular priest?
Torres: Father Timothy Reid, pastor of St. Ann Church, will be vesting me at my ordination. It was Father Reid who first mentioned that I had what he called “hallmarks of a vocation to the priesthood” about 15 years ago (when I was 17 years old). Ever since he was ordained and assigned to St. Mark Church in Huntersville, he was always available for my family and me. Over the years I went to him for general advice, and then eventually for spiritual direction as I neared entering seminary.
CNH: Are there any comments you would like to share with our readers about serving as a priest here in the Diocese of Charlotte?
Torres: My parents have done so much for me over the years, from passing down the faith, to supporting me in my vocation. A simple “thank you” would not suffice. I feel like responding to the call to the priesthood is a way I can give back to those who first gave to me. Even beyond my parents, there have been so many people – friends, priests, fellow parishioners at numerous parishes in the diocese – who have given me more than I deserve. They have opened their homes to me, supported me financially, and have shown me love in so many different ways. I feel extremely grateful for this opportunity to give back to a community that has given me so much throughout my life. Parents reflect on sons’ vocations
-
Parents reflect on sons’ vocations
Bruce and Marilyn Mlakar:
CNH: When did you first notice that Jake had a vocation to the priesthood?Mlakars: We had seen a subtle change in Jake’s faith life in the summer leading up to his sophomore year at UNC; he started attending daily Mass and weekly Eucharistic Adoration.
While he stayed connected to our Pastor, Monsignor John McSweeney, and the pastor at the UNC Newman Center, Monsignor John Wall, throughout his undergraduate years, it was in his senior year at Carolina when we realized the seminary was in his future.
Jake was very pragmatic as he approached his UNC graduation, in that he told us that he was going to apply to the seminary to find out if he was being called to the priesthood. He didn’t say he was going into the seminary to become a priest; that was the moment when we knew he was going into seminary for all the right reasons.
CNH: How do you feel about having your son ordained a priest for the Diocese of Charlotte?
Mlakars: We cannot fully express our joy and appreciation for the love and support that the parishioners and staff of St. Matthew have shown for us and for Jake. The transformation we’ve seen in Jake through six years in seminary is absolutely inspiring. Jake’s journey to the priesthood has been a blessing for us, as our faith life has been strengthened exponentially by the connections we’ve made and the experiences we’ve shared. We are thrilled that Father Jake will serve in the Diocese of Charlotte, where he can share his faith and passion for our Lord Jesus Christ.
John and Lucy Torres:
CNH: When did you first notice that Jonathan had a vocation to the priesthood?Torres’: Jonathan always had a love for the Truth and God’s Holy Church. It was actually on Pentecost Sunday 2014, after serving two Masses at St. Thomas Aquinas and having dinner with about 12 priests at Father Winslow’s house that he came home elated, telling us what a fulfilled day he had. He was inspired by their brotherhood and most especially their love for the Church and Her Truths. That’s when he told us that he felt called to enter seminary.
CNH: How do you feel about having your son ordained a priest for the Diocese of Charlotte?
Torres’: With great humility, we stand before God and feel so blessed to witness Jonathan called to be of service to God’s one, holy, Catholic and apostolic Church. It has been an incredible manifestation of God’s unfathomable mercy and amazing grace.
To be ordained a priest of Jesus Christ under the authority of Bishop Peter Jugis in the Diocese of Charlotte is another reaffirming grace of God’s Divine Providence. We are overjoyed and in awe of what God has done for our family. We pray that His grace continues to help Jonathan with endurance, perseverance and ultimately great fortitude.
— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter
Home parish: St. Matthew Church, Charlotte
Home parish: St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Charlotte
CNH: When did you first notice that Jake had a vocation to the priesthood?
CNH: When did you first notice that Jonathan had a vocation to the priesthood?