“Proclaim Jesus’ Words and be servants of all”

The Corpus Christi Cathedral was brimming with family members and friends of the ten candidates for the Holy Order of the Permanent Diaconate. Excitement was in the air when the ten men walked down the aisle to festive music, followed by many fellow deacons from the diocese, priests, Bishop Emeritus Edmond Carmody and Bishop Michael Mulvey. They studied for five years for this moment to be prepared to serve the Church. Their families made sacrifices, but they all grew together in faith and prayer.
 
Each one was called by name to proceed to the sanctuary, approved as worthy and prepared to be ordained. In his homily, Bishop Mulvey reminded them that they are called to assist the bishop and the priests “to be servants of all.” He mentioned some of the tasks of deacons – to prepare the altar, to distribute the body of Christ, and to proclaim the Word: “The Word with the capital W is Jesus itself… what you proclaim are not your words, but Jesus’ words.” When delivering a homily, they should not favor philosophy or any ideology but live the Word before preaching: “God is Love, and every Word of the Scripture is a revelation of this love.” The bishop recommended, “Let the Gospel become your daily food.”
 
As deacons, they will witness the sacrament of marriage, preside over funerals and prepare the altar: “Prepare it with your heart, as you prepare the vessels for the sacrament.” Each of these duties is not a job to be performed, but it is Jesus in you who is doing it.” He reminded them of 1 Cor 2:16, where Paul wrote, “Do everything with the mind of Christ.”
 The third task of deacons is charity – “giving of ourselves, sacrificing ourselves for others.” The bishop emphasized that, as Catholics, we cannot only love those who think like me or who would give anything in return. “Everyone is created and loved by God.” By seeing Jesus in every person, we should aim to love everyone. “And don’t wait for others to take the initiative – take the first step.” Lastly, if a Christian tries to be like Christ, who humbled himself by dying on the cross, they can take Jesus and Mary as models for humility.
 By laying his hands on them and praying, the bishop ordained the ten candidates to deacons. He handed the Gospel to each one to be worthy proclaimers of the Word. Then, he and all the deacons welcomed them with a fraternal embrace as members of the clergy before they served for the first time as deacons during the liturgy of the Eucharist.
 
In the end, Bishop Mulvey thanked the wives who supported their husbands and needed to adjust to let them go when they had to serve. He gave the deacons their new assignments: Deacon Michael Brady will serve at Corpus Christi Cathedral and serve as Master of Ceremonies for the Bishop. Deacon Thomas Gonzalez was assigned to Sts. Cyril & Methodius. Deacon Brian Iber stays at St. Pius X and also serves as Master of Ceremonies for the Bishop. Deacon William Larsen continues at St. Philips the Apostle. Deacon Charles Mendoza goes to serve at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Corpus Christi. Deacon Edward Mireles moves to St. Anthony in Robstown, and Deacon Ray Saenz to St. John Nepomucene in Robstown. Deacon Adrian Perez stays in St. Joseph, Corpus Christi, Deacon Adrian Rodriguez in Sacred Heart, Sinton and Deacon Vincent Stark in Most Precious Blood.