Meet the future deacons: Archbishop Lori to ordain eight permanent deacons May 16

Archbishop William E. Lori will ordain eight men to the permanent diaconate May 16 during a 10 a.m. Mass at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Homeland.

The deacon candidates completed a one-year aspirancy program, followed by three years of human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral formation. They also served in parish assignments and in institutional settings such as hospitals or prisons.

Deacons receive the sacrament of holy orders and become members of the clergy. Among their regular duties, deacons proclaim the Gospel at Mass and preach homilies. They administer the sacrament of baptism and witness marriage. Deacons may preside at rites of Christian burial, at eucharistic exposition and benediction, the celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours and other liturgical rites. Deacons also minister in a variety of roles within parishes, charitable agencies, hospitals, prisons and elsewhere.

Home parish: St. Ignatius of Loyola, Ijamsville

Spouse: Jennelle, 27 years; four children

Diaconal internships: St. John the Evangelist, Frederick; Religious Coalition of Frederick County; Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Towson

Career: Owner, Grout Guyz

Quote: “Over the past four years, I have learned an enormous amount about my Catholic faith. What my internships have taught me is to see the world through the eyes of those whom I serve. It has been a tremendous opportunity for growth in my spiritual life. Ordination is not an end, but a new beginning.”

 

Home parish: Catholic Community of Glen Burnie

Spouse: Nancy, 15 years; three children

Diaconal internships: St. Clement I, Lansdowne; St. Agnes Hospital, Baltimore

Career: Software engineer

Quote: “The diaconate program has allowed me to embrace a very rich formation spiritually and intellectually. The formation made me a better person by showing me how God wants us to help others. The Holy Spirit gave me the strength I needed and the courage to continue with the diaconate program.”

Home parish: St. Peter the Apostle, Libertytown

Spouse: Jan, 42 years; two children, five grandchildren

Diaconal internships: Holy Family Catholic Community, Middletown; Glade Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Walkersville

Career: Project Management Medical Devices, acquisition and logistics; retired army nurse

Quote: “Throughout this experience I have come to realize that much of what I am being called to do is to witness and to be present to those who are seeking peace in their lives. Every step of the way of this experience has provided a unique set of circumstances that has led me closer to Christ. Each book read, each paper written, each homily given and each individual encounter has opened my eyes, my mind and my heart.”

Home parish: St. Ignatius, Hickory

Spouse: Nadine, 32 years; four children

Diaconal internships: St. Mark, Fallston; Greater Baltimore Medical Center

Career: Director of corporate relations, Maryland Food Bank

Quote: “The program provided me with a glimpse into the richness of our church, its teachings and traditions. During my time in the program, I have had the honor to walk beside a group of amazing men who, each in his own way yet together, have been this journey.”

 

Home parish: St. Ann, Hagerstown

Spouse: Heather, 21 years; one daughter

Diaconal internships: St. Augustine, Williamsport; St. James, Boonsboro; St. Joseph, Hagerstown; Western Maryland Hospital Center, Hagerstown

Career: Corporate forensic investigator

Quote: “As a former Marine officer, a former police officer and a corporate executive, I entered diaconal formation with a naively high degree of confidence in my faith and ability. In hindsight, I realize how little I knew then, and how little I still know now. The formation process has been, by far, the most challenging, yet most rewarding experience of my life. It has truly opened my heart, mind and soul to the love of Christ and the richness, beauty and truth of our faith.”

 

Home parish: St. Ignatius of Loyola, Ijamsville

Spouse: Jane, 25 years; six children

Diaconal internships: St. Timothy, Walkersville; Frederick Rescue Mission

Career: Management and technology consultant

Quote: “The deacon formation program is truly about formation. I am not the same man now as I was when I started. They helped me to discern the call I had received and prepared me to say yes. I have grown in my faith, in knowledge about the faith, in self-awareness and in confidence to minster to and serve others.”

 

Home parish: St. Ignatius, Hickory

Spouse: Dianne, 36 years; three children; one grandchild

Diaconal internships: St. Joan of Arc, Aberdeen; Johns Hopkins Bayview, Baltimore

Career: Program manager with the U.S. Army at Aberdeen Proving Ground; retired colonel, U.S. Army

Quote: “I am very grateful for the support that my wife Dianne, family, friends and fellow deacon candidates have given me. I thank the diaconate formation team and the faculty at St. Mary’s Seminary for their guidance and dedication. I had wonderful internship assignments assisting the pastoral care staff at John Hopkins Bayview and the pastor and parishioners of St. Joan of Arc.”

Home parish: St. Louis, Clarksville

Spouse: Kim, 33 years; three children (including one deceased)

Diaconal internships: St. Paul, Ellicott City; University of Maryland Medical Center/Shock Trauma, Baltimore

Career: Senior vice president, new business and development, government services and data for Corporate Office Properties Trust

Quote: “The formation process has been a wonderful and challenging journey. The instructors were passionate in providing us guidance, quality instruction and counseling while allowing us to spiritually form ourselves into a servant of God.

Both (pastoral internship) assignments have given me a greater awareness of the needs of others and bringing God into their lives and I hope it is only a glimpse of what lies ahead of me as a deacon.”

Also see:
Archbishop Lori offer invocation for horse racing industry’s Alibi breakfast

From sons to Fathers: A mother’s perspective on vocations