The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception was standing-room-only during the April 25 Ordination to the Sacred Order of Deacon. Photos | Chuck Wainwright
By Tami S. Scott
Editor
It was standing room only at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Syracuse.
The newly-ordained deacons. Front row, from left: Dc. Jan D’Angelo, Dc. Ron Barnes, Dc. James Morris, Bishop Douglas J. Lucia, Dc. Ken Theurer, Dc. Kurt Behrenfeld, and Dc. Paul Sansone. Top row, from left: Dc. Dave Nesbitt, Dc. John Finn, Bishop Emeritus Robert J. Cunningham, Dc. Michael Stanistreet, and Dc. Stephen Grausgruber.
After seven years of intensive spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral preparation, 10 men were ceremoniously ordained April 25 to the permanent diaconate. Each pew was filled with family and friends in joyful anticipation of witnessing their loved one’s milestone moment, reflecting Christ the Servant as a new deacon within the Syracuse Diocese.
“It was a joyous, hope-filled day for me getting to witness the ordination of these 10 men,” said Tom Andino, director of deacon formation. “Their ordination (today) is not an ending or merely a culmination of their formation journey, but rather it marks a new beginning in their life of service to their parishes and our diocese; to the people of God!”
Resplendent music and moments of silence filled the cathedral during Mass. The liturgy drew on sacred tradition, particularly the Rites of Ordination, including the Litany of Supplication, the Laying on of Hands, the Prayer of Ordination, the Investiture with the Stole and Dalmatic, the Handing on of the Book of Gospels, and the Fraternal Kiss.
In his homily, Bishop Douglas J. Lucia described Jesus commissioning His disciples to preach the gospel, baptize believers into the Church, and confirm God’s love for the human family. To accomplish this mission, Bishop said, Jesus gave His disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit to guide them.
During the Litany of Supplication, the elect prostrate themselves as the Litany is sung, invoking the aid of the saints.
“Today, after a period of extensive formation,” he continued, “these husbands, fathers, sons, brothers, and fellow believers have come to dedicate themselves to the service of the People of God as deacons of the Roman Catholic Church in the parishes of the Diocese of Syracuse.”
A huge and congratulatory welcome to Deacons Ron Barnes, Kurt Behrenfeld, Jan De’Angelo, John Finn, Stephen Grausgruber, James Morris, David Nesbitt, Paul Sansone, Michael Stanistreet, and Ken Theurer.
Read more about each deacon’s journey toward answering God’s call in the May 7 issue of The Catholic Sun.
Click here: Bishop Lucia announces assignments for newly ordained deacons
