The Deacon's Bench
From The Troy Record:
More than 250 family members, friends, well-wishers, clergy and others celebrated the ordination of four new deacons to serve the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany on Saturday afternoon
The colorful and moving Ordination to the Diaconate was celebrated at The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany by Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger, his first such ceremony as head of the Albany Diocese.
Dr. Michael J. Freeman, 50 (turns 51 on Tuesday) of Walton; Timothy James Kosto II, 41, of Nassau; Ryan Joseph McNultyh, 42, of South Glens Falls; and Larry Steiger, 64, of Amsterdam were ordained as permanent deacons during the Mass.
Each of these men have had his own unique history prior to reaching this ministry of faith. Among other things in his background, Dr. Freeman has a family medical practice and was raised in a Jewish home downstate with Italian and Irish Catholic roots in his family. He converted to Catholicism shortly after marrying his wife, Denise.
Mr. Kosto, who is an engineer by profession, lives with his wife, Kathryn, in an 18th century farmhouse that the two of them have restored.
Mr. McNulty was encouraged to pursue this church ministry in part by his late father-in-law, a Methodist pastor.
Mr. Steiger has raised Scottish Highlander Cattle. He and his wife Carol own a small farmette overlooking the lower Schoharie Creek.
In his homily, Bishop Scharfenberger stressed to the men about to be ordained that theirs is a ministry of service. “Be a man in the service of the whole community,” he said. Three times he repeated, as they should, “I am here to serve. I am here to serve. I am here to serve.” Later he added, “Jesus is that strength that you will rely on.”
Early on, Bishop Scharfenberger gave them an option. “You still have time to change your mind,” which elicited a chuckle from all those in attendance.
As the bishop said, the ministry of these men, first and foremost, will be one of service. They will assist at the Eucharist (Mass), and may officiate at weddings, baptisms and funerals. They will proclaim the Gospel and may be given faculties (permission) to preach. They will bless objects and persons within liturgical celebrations.
Their lifelong commitment and responsibility comes after at least three years of intensive training and their formal dedication to the church.
Congratulations, brothers, and welcome! Ad multos annos!
Deacons of Albany, meantime, should know they are in very good hands. Bishop Scharfenberger knows a thing or two about the order: his brother-in-law is a deacon.
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