On June 28, the Diocese of Brooklyn welcomed seven new priests.

Fathers Robert Ruggiero, Benoit Chavanne, Juan Herrera-Posada, Callistus Ibeh, Paulo Salazar, Alvaro Morales Sanchez, and Nelson Gerardo Tlatelpa were ordained at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph in Prospect Heights — a day that, by all accounts, was filled with joy from many of the hundreds of people who attended.

All of that is well-deserved for the seven men who, for years, have worked toward this goal. As they now enter parishes across the diocese, however, supporting them shouldn’t stop with the handshakes, hugs, and applause at their ordination. It should continue, especially through filling the pews at the Masses they celebrate.

Earlier this year, the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) at Georgetown University published research indicating that Mass attendance nationwide is inching closer to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels — around 24% — a figure that both the laity and Catholic leaders alike would prefer to increase.

The Diocese of Brooklyn faced similar challenges with Mass attendance during the pandemic years. And as the diocese continues to succeed in bringing people back to the pews, what better time for parishioners to encourage eachother — friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, etc. — and return to the Mass than with the arrival of a new priest at a local parish? Each of these men brings a unique background and experience all their own.

Father Salazar has dreamed of becoming a priest since he was a little boy. Father Ruggiero, the oldest of the newly ordained priests at 55, didn’t truly hear the call until six years ago. Father Morales Sanchez was a diesel mechanic before feeling inspired, and Father Tlatelpa grew up in Mexico and worked as a waiter in the U.S.

Father Chavanne grew up in France and remembers hints of his future vocation coming to him as a child. Father Herrera-Posada loves to play the guitar, and often does so at church and during parish parties. Father Ibeh is an avid cyclist who grew up in Nigeria. He, too, knew he wanted to be a priest from a young age.

Despite their different backgrounds, each one, in separate conversations with The Tablet, has spoken of the importance of evangelization — bringing more people to the faith and reinvigorating those who are already Catholic.

Supporting them would not only mean the world to the individuals, but imagine the positive ripple effect it could have on the future of the Diocese of Brooklyn.