Saturday, May 18 was a joyous and blessed day for me and for our diocese. I ordained Rev. Mr. Jason Hage to the order of deacon at Holy Cross Church in DeWitt. The homily I preached on that occasion is printed below. Please join me in prayer for Jason as he completes his formation leading to priestly ordination. Remember also all our seminarians who are studying for the priesthood for our diocese.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

   Jesus has been raised from the dead! For 50 days we have proclaimed this glorious message. The death and resurrection of Jesus is truly the “good news” which gives meaning to our lives. In the Resurrection of the Lord, we have the basis for our faith.

   During the Easter season at each Mass we have prayed, “overcome with paschal joy, every land, every people exults in your praise” (Easter Preface). Because of this extraordinary event, so central to our life and faith, we praise the Father “with greater joy than ever.” Two thousand years after the event we are the witnesses to the Paschal Mystery present in the Church’s proclamation in Word and Sacrament.