The Deacon's Bench
Can I hear an “Amen!”? As our diaconate director says, it’s the most diverse group ever for the “diocese of immigrants.”
On Saturday, May 23rd, the Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, will ordain 19 men to the Order of Deacon at 11 a.m. at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, 856 Pacific Street, Prospect Heights.
“These 19 faithful men are a clear representation of the Church in Brooklyn and Queens,” said Bishop DiMarzio. “I am profoundly grateful for their vocation to the Permanent Diaconate. Their dedication to the many hours of education and formation, and their faithfulness to this ministry is a wonderful expression of the vitality and new life present in our Diocese. This diversified group of men are ready to assist in the ministry of our multicultural communities in Brooklyn and Queens. I take this time to thank their wives and children for their support, not only of their husbands and fathers, but also of the Diocese of Brooklyn.”
Representing the diversity of the diocese, this year’s class includes English, Spanish, Italian, Haitian-Creole, Korean, Mandarin and Cantonese speaking candidates. “It is the most diverse class I ever seen in my 12 years serving the diocese,” said Deacon Jorge Gonzalez, Director of the Diaconate Office of the Diocese of Brooklyn. “It has been a very enriching and uplifting experience, to get to know their backgrounds and customs. I am sure they will bring great gifts to our parishes.”
Read on for the names and biographies of the men being ordained. I’ll be there and will post more Saturday. I had the privilege of teaching homiletics to some of these candidates, and look forward to having them break open God’s Word in their local communities. They will be a great blessing. Keep these fine men in your prayers!
Image of Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph via Wikipedia
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