The Deacon's Bench
In an unusual move, during the same liturgy, one man was also ordained to the priesthood.
On Saturday morning, May 19, 2018, the Vigil of the Feast of Pentecost, the Most Reverend Edward K. Braxton, Bishop of Belleville, ordained the Reverend Steven M. Pautler to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ. In the same ordination Liturgy, the Bishop ordained eight new Permanent Deacons: Deacon Daniel R. Cozzi, Deacon Steven M. Eischens, Deacon John J. Gomez, Deacon Mark F. Kabat, Deacon James C. Law, Deacon John H. Mote, Deacon Randall L. Riesenberger, and Deacon Kevin T. Templin.
Bishop Braxton personally called each of the ordinandi to Holy Orders in the Sancta Trinitas Unus Deus chapel at his residence in April, after an hour long prayer, and face to face, heart to heart conversations about questions concerning ministry in the Church. He also witnessed their Profession of Faith and Oath of Fidelity required for Ordination.
The Bishop had urged every priest and deacon of the Diocese to participate in the Ordination. At every Confirmation this spring, Bishop Braxton pointedly asked those being confirmed, their sponsors, and family members to generously make the sacrifices necessary to attend. He personally invited representatives from every parish and he sent additional personal invitations to young men from each parish, inviting them to witness the ordination. In response to his invitation, the Cathedral of St. Peter was completely filled. He expressed his gratitude to all and asked everyone to join together with him in praying in one voice for urgently needed vocations to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ in the Diocese of Belleville.
Read on. Congratulations, brothers, and welcome! Ad multos annos!
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