The Cathedral was full of family members and friends, and three young men entered through the middle aisle as seminarians, taking a place with their families. They were called to take a step ahead on their journey to the priesthood. After the solemn ceremony, they left as deacons, ready to serve the Church.
Bishop Michael Mulvey reminded them in his homily that they are called to serve: “We can get bigger than we really are.” He remembered that at his ordination, his brother rolled his eyes when he walked down the aisle, grounding him in the fact that we are all flawed human beings, “it is the original sin – wanting to be greater than God.”
As bishops, priests and deacons, “we are all friends of Jesus,” never to put oneself above anyone. The bishop explained that they would have three tasks as a deacon – the first to proclaim the Word. “The Word is the presence of God – you are proclaiming something alive: embrace what you proclaim that it will not be a theory.” As deacons, “be men of God, men of Jesus Christ to continue His ministry,” he said.
Deacons, in their role, are called to baptize, preside over funeral services, and lead the community in prayer. The bishop’s message was clear: “Walk with the people, accompany them, don’t judge them.” The third mission of deacons is charity, a humble service that manifests God’s love for each person. The bishop recommended to them the Art of Loving found in the Gospel: to love everyone and see Jesus in each person's heart. “Our love should be concrete, as St. Paul describes it: laugh with those who laugh, mourn with those who mourn, give to those who ask.”
Their acceptance of the celibate life 'is not always easy to live but truly a gift – having a heart that is ready to give.' However, the ordination on the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary signifies the support and guidance they will receive from her.
The ordination continued, with the three young men prostrating themselves before the altar, showing their availability to serve where God calls them. In the ancient ritual, going back to the apostles, Bishop Mulvey laid his hands on them and ordained them in silent prayer. Each one received the Gospel from the bishop as a sign that they now proclaim the Gospel during Mass before they were vested in their garments, which the families handed over to priests and deacons.
The assembly applauded the newly ordained deacons, who – after mass – blessed family members, friends and the participants during the reception at St. Joseph’s Hall.
All three will help in a parish over the summer before returning to the seminaries for their last year of studies. Deacon Jim Craig will go to St. George in George West, Deacon Javier Ebertowski to St. Joseph Parish in Alice, and Deacon Luis Lozano to Nuestra Senora de San Juan de los Lagos, Madre de la Iglesia in Corpus Christi.