Have been to many of both and I'd say if you have to choose, go to the first Mass. Ordination is beautiful and very symbolic, but you will have no chance to see your friend personally until afterwards when traditionally the newly ordained give blessings to their friends and family. They will also do this after their first Mass though so you will have a chance there. First Mass is usually very personal and traditionally at a man's home church or another that is symbolic to him. It's a special event.

Agree with PPs that the ordination mass is something to see. But, you may not get much of a chance to interact with your friend.

Are you Catholic, OP? If not maybe the first mass and reception are a better choice.

First Mass is more personal. Ordination is with others being ordained as well - it's a very formal ceremony, obviously. The first Mass is usually more casual, with family, friends and parishioners. (That being said, an ordination is very cool. If you've never been to one, you could try to get to both.)

I've been to both an ordination and to a first mass. They were on different days. I would go to whichever fits your schedule better. A really close friend would probably go to both, if possible. An ordination is really beautiful to see - it would be considered the most significant of the two events. There actually is an opportunity right after the ordination when people line up to receive a new priest's blessing. At the priest's first mass, he often has a priest mentor give the homily. My particular friend gave his own homily at his first mass, but I am told that that is unusual.

Hi all,

I have a friend/acquaintance who is being ordained a Catholic priest. I got an invitation for the Ordination ceremony itself in the morning, where the friend is going to be ordained with others. Also to Mass of Thanksgiving later that day in the church he is going to be based out of, with reception to follow.

I would like to attend the one that more significant or the one more commonly attended by guests. I would think if there is a reception planned for the evening mass, it seems to be an occasion where guests are expected to attend and I could chat a few minutes with him, say hi, congrats. But maybe the Ordination itself is the one I am expected to attend if I can only attend one? He and I have not kept in touch more than one or two emails the past 5 years, I don't think whether I attend or not will mean that much to him in all reality. But he is such a good guy and I think it's beautiful and amazing and a joyful occasion that he is devoting his life to sacred priesthood and I want to show support/blessings/congratulations of some kind.

Which to attend?