Ordination update: 14 new deacons in Toronto

The press release takes note:

Their occupations are widely different but they share a unifying commitment to their faith. Fourteen men – including an internationally recognized surgeon, a civic lawyer, a banker, a mail carrier, and an auto mechanic – will be ordained at St. Michael’s Cathedral at 10 a.m. on May 26 as permanent deacons for the Archdiocese of Toronto. The Mass and ordination ceremony will be presided over by Bishop Vincent Nguyen, Auxiliary Bishop of Toronto and Vicar for Deacons.

Permanent deacons serve the Church by assisting the archbishop and priests of the diocese. Their roles may be linked to charitable work in the community (i.e., hospital or jail chaplaincy), ministering in parishes and schools, and serving directly on the altar – they have the liturgical authority to baptize children, witness marriages and preside at funerals.

In 1967, following the Second Vatican Council, the Roman Catholic Church reintroduced the permanent diaconate program. Unlike transitional deacons, permanent deacons are not studying to become priests – once ordained, they remain deacons for the rest of their lives. Since 1972, St. Augustine’s Seminary in Scarborough has provided the formation program for diaconal candidates and their wives. The program currently involves one year of prayer and discernment and four years of formation and theological study. Including the current candidates, 120 deacons now serve throughout the Archdiocese of Toronto.

Read more about all the men ordained at the link.

Congratulations, eh!  Ad multos annos!