Cornelius Deep described as a down-to-earth disciple of Jesus and a walking poster for vocations
By Eileen Jevis, staff writer
It is not often that priests, parents, family and friends use the same word in describing one’s blessings. But when talking about Cornelius Deep, who was ordained a deacon on May 17 at Mary, Mother of Our Savior Church in Utica, the word “gifts” was often mentioned.
The second reading (Romans 12:4-8) at the Mass was especially fitting and brought meaning to those who attended and contemplated Cornelius’s future as a deacon and priest. “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your [a] faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, [b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”
The gifts of service and teaching:
Early in his pastoral year as a seminarian, Cornelius was assigned to Seton Catholic Central School to teach and guide the students. “I realized that the Lord gave me a gift to be able to relate well with high school students,” he said. “Ministering to them has been very natural to me, and I really enjoy it.” Cornelius joined the students for lunch, gym class and prayer. He also attended their sports games in the evenings. Midway through the year, when a teacher left unexpectedly, Cornelius took over the ninth and 10th grade theology classes. He continues to help students grow in their faith. “One of the biggest challenges I anticipate as a priest will be igniting the fire of faith with our young people,” said Cornelius. “In many cases, they do not go to Mass each Sunday and are not receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation. While it’s one of the biggest challenges I will face, it is what I am most enthused about.”
When he is ordained a priest, Dc. Deep also looks forward to hearing confessions. In the course of his studies, he said he realized how important the Sacrament of Reconciliation is because it puts people in a state of grace. “As a person of Christ, I will have the power to get people back on track with their relationship with God — what a profound gift,” he said.
“Cornelius is prayerful, disciplined and a self-starter who has a good moral compass, and is thoughtful and compassionate,” said parents Peter and Lucy Deep. “He will enthusiastically share these gifts with the people he serves. He loves God, his Catholic faith, is devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and will serve God’s people with joy.”
God’s plan and purpose
Cornelius said that growing up, entering the priesthood was always at the back of his mind. He remembers “playing Mass” in his dining room as an elementary student. He was involved with his parish as an altar server and sacristan and participated in the youth group. While the idea of entering the priesthood was always present, Cornelius said he continued to push it aside to focus on other things while attending Notre Dame Junior/Senior School — playing sports and hanging out with his friends.
As parishioners of Our Lady of Lourdes, now Mary, Mother of Our Savior, Lucy and Peter Deep said they watched proudly as both their sons served as altar servers from age 8 through high school. They also credit the many wonderful priests, deacons, parishioners and coaches who encouraged Cornelius in his life and faith.
“It was during my freshman year of college at Catholic University of America (CUA) that I began to come to terms that God was calling me to the priesthood and I was beginning to accept it in my heart,” added Cornelius. “The idea really hit me hard. That’s when I started to seriously discern, in a large part due to the seminarians who had such a positive influence on me,” he said. “During those four years, I really flourished in my prayer life by attending daily Mass, praying the Rosary each day, and through spiritual direction and Adoration.”
“Cornelius is a man of great faith,” confirmed Rev. James Serowik, pastor at St. Vincent de Paul Blessed Sacrament Church, pastor at Parish of Saints John and Andrew, and vicar forane for Vicariate VII. “He makes Jesus’ love come alive in the hearts of those he serves and will do an excellent job preaching the gospel because he preaches not only with words, but by the way he lives his life,” he said. “I look forward to walking with him this summer as he continues to discover the gifts he brings to ministry. He is a down-to-earth disciple of Jesus and a walking poster for vocations.”
Lead with joyful dedication
During his homily, Bishop Douglas J. Lucia instructed Dc. Deep concerning the Office of Deacon and its duties. “As a deacon, one ministers in the name of Jesus who came along His disciples, to lay down his life for God’s bread. You will serve the people with love and joy as you would in the Lord,” said Bishop. “You will exercise your ministry committed to the celibate state. Know that celibacy is both a sign of passion and charity, as well as a source of spiritual truthfulness in the world compelled by the sincere love of Christ. Living in this state with total dedication, you will claim to praise more easily with an undivided heart. You will free yourself more completely for the service of God and the human family and minister more effectively the work of a spiritual leader.”
Cornelius is in his final year of seminary, pursuing master’s degrees in divinity and theology at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md. He will be ordained to the priesthood in 2026.
