Monitor Mag MAY 2023 Ordination Preview

The Monitor introduces the men who will receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders in the coming weeks. On May 20, 12 men will be ordained deacons during a 10 a.m. Mass in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. On June 3, Rev. Mr. Kevin Hrycenko will be ordained a priest during a 10 a.m. Mass in St. Joseph Church, Toms River. Both ordinations will be livestreamed on the diocesan Youtube channel www.youtube.com/trentondiocese. Follow-up coverage on both will be featured on TrentonMonitor.com and in the June issue of The Monitor Magazine.

Bringing souls to heaven the

goal of soon-to-be priest Kevin Hrycenko

BY EMMALEE ITALIA  Contributing Editor

As his June 3 priestly ordination approaches, Toms River native and transitional deacon Rev. Mr. Kevin Hrycenko reflected on the path his vocation took, with roots in a supportive family and parish, and how his discernment led him to dedicate his life to the Church.

“God calls us in the way that we will respond best,” he pointed out. “My journey may look different from yours, but the result is the same: Follow what God is calling you to do for your life.”

OPEN TO GOD

Although Rev. Mr. Hrycenko “always had a good relationship with the priests” of his home parish – St. Joseph, Toms River – and attended St. Joseph Grade School and Donovan Catholic High

Rev. Mr. Kevin Hrycenko proclaims the Gospel during the April 3 Chrism Mass in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold. Mike Ehrmann photos School next door, it wasn’t until his 2016 graduation from The Catholic University

Rev. Mr. Hrycenko assists Bishop O’Connell during Mass the Bishop celebrated for seminarians of the Diocese in December. The Mass was held in the Diocesan Chancery chapel. Mike Ehrmann photo

of America, Washington, that he began to think seriously about the priesthood.

“I graduated without any real direction,” he admitted, but his contact with a former CUA roommate who had entered the seminary helped plant a seed. “It was a combination of seeing what seminary life was like, teaching religious education at my home parish … and being very open to what God wanted … that led me to apply to be a seminarian for the Diocese.”

Rev. Mr. Hrycenko’s parents, siblings and extended family remained an influence and encouragement throughout his discernment. “They had many questions about the Catholic faith,” he noted, “and [I was] someone that they personally knew who could answer those questions or lead them to where they could find answers.”

Continually asking God, “Are you sure you want me to be a priest?” gave him further confirmation that he was on the right path. “In fact, what finally convinced me … was looking up my ordination day,” Rev. Mr. Hrycenko said. “June 3 is the Feast of St. Kevin … the same day as a saint I am named after.”

His faith evolved over the years as seminary taught him that “knowing more about God will lead you to desiring to love him more and thus wanting to learn more about him … it is a positive feedback loop of knowing and loving.”

EXPERIENCING MINISTRY

The former Eagle Scout spent his diaconal year in St. Dominic Parish, Brick. His summer parish assignments have included the linked parishes

St. James, Pennington; St. George, Titusville, and St. Alphonsus, Hopewell, in 2018; St. Mary of the Lakes, Medford,

Diaconate ordination will bring seminarians

Two seminarians of the Diocese of Trenton – Wynne Kerridge and Brian Meinders – will mark another step on their journey toward the priesthood when they are ordained transitional deacons by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, May 20 at 10 a.m.

Ordination as a transitional deacon generally occurs after a seminarian has completed several years of study in theology and takes place usually one year prior to priestly ordination. As deacons, they will be ordinary ministers of Baptism, and will be able to preside at weddings, assist the priest at Mass, proclaim the Gospel and preach, as well as preside at wakes and funeral services.

As men who are committed to becoming priests, transitional deacons make a promise of celibacy.

Wynne Kerridge credits life experiences for prompting vocation journey

After traveling on varied roads, both physical and spiritual, throughout his life and meeting numerous people along the way, 29-year-old Wynne Kerridge will reach a milestone on his vocation journey when he is ordained a deacon May 20.

Born in Dallas, Texas, Kerridge grew up in a practicing Presbyterian-Anglican family with his parents, David and Lisa Sinak and siblings Cotty Hilman, and Slade and Calder Sinak. It was during his freshman year at Princeton University, where he majored in economics and had a number of friends who were Catholic, that he was prompted to explore the Catholic faith.

“After a year of intense study and prayer,” he said, “I was convinced of the truth of the Catholic Church,” and was received during his sophomore year into full communion with the Catholic Church Dec. 8, 2013, in the Church of St. John the Baptist, Allentown. The day, he said, was the first anniversary of the first Mass he ever attended.

After more than two years of growing spiritually through the Aquinas Institute, the university’s Catholic campus ministry, Kerridge entered a small religious order in southern France in the Fraternity of St. Joseph the Guardian where he remained for 18 months.

He then transferred to the Diocese of Trenton and entered Mount St. Mary Seminary, Emmitsburg, Md., in 2018, where he is pursuing Master of Divinity and Master of Arts degrees in Church history. He has served several summer parish assignments including St. Michael, Long Branch; Our Lady of Good Counsel, Moorestown; Visitation Parish, Brick, and St. Charles Borromeo, Cinnaminson.

Looking ahead to this year’s diaconate ordination and expected priestly ordination next year, Kerridge describes his vocation as “inspired by the two great commandments of love of God and of neighbor, upon which hang all the law and the prophets.”

Kerridge described ordination to the transitional diaconate in terms of marriage, when “the Diocese of Trenton and I make permanent commitments to each other. … I am committing myself irrevocably to a life of celibacy, ecclesiastical ministry, obedience to the bishop, and praying the Divine Office every day for the rest of my life and the Diocese commits to me. As those who marry commit themselves for the rest of their lives on their day of marriage and then they live that out for the rest of their life, so too shall I live out the commitments made at my diaconal ordination for the rest of my life.”

 “I am committing myself irrevocably to a life of celibacy, ecclesiastical ministry, obedience to the bishop …”

Kerridge and Meinders closer to priesthood

Diaconate ordination is when life as a cleric of the Diocese of Trenton begins, explained Kerridge, who added, “This will be lived out most fully in the priesthood. On a practical level, my daily life will not change enormously at diaconate ordination.  I will be at a parish in the summer and help out at a parish on weekends during the year, but I will be spending most of next year in seminary just like I have for the last five years. Yet I will be doing this as a cleric of the Diocese of Trenton.”

In his future service as a deacon, Kerridge looks forward to baptizing. “In Baptism, I will be the unworthy channel the Lord uses to pour forth the water from his pierced side upon those to be reborn in Baptism. In Baptism we die with Christ and then rise with Him. In the baptismal font, we receive new life and the forgiveness of sins,” said Kerridge, recognizing the grace in being “the instrument God chooses to work through.”

Kerridge said his diaconate ordination vesting priest will be Father Pablo Gadenz, a priest of the Diocese who serves on the faculty of Mount St. Mary Seminary.

Kerridge will serve his diaconal year assignment in St. James Parish, Red Bank.

By Mary Stadnyk, Associate Editor

Brian Meinders excited to learn from diocesan priests, deacons

As Brian Meinders approaches his ordination to the transitional diaconate on May 20, he is looking forward to his new liturgical role in ministry.

“It’s exciting to think that I’ll be able to preach at Mass and to celebrate Baptisms, weddings and funerals,” he said. “It’s humbling to be chosen for that service … In the Diocese of Trenton we’re blessed to have so many great priests and deacons, and I’m looking forward to learning from and serving with them.”

The parishioner of St. John the Baptist Parish, Allentown, takes very seriously his “tremendously significant step” toward the priesthood.

“Through ordination, we receive an indelible character in our soul which conforms us to Christ,” Meinders pointed out, “which gives us the grace and responsibility to serve God and his Church.”

Born in Lindenwold in 1984 to parents Richard and Luanne Meinders, the future deacon attended Ocean Day School and Lakewood High School, both in Lakewood, graduating from

LHS in 2003. He studied political science and psychology from 2003-2005 at Rutgers University, New Brunswick.

Returning to education in 2018, he began studies in St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Wynnewood, Pa., where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy, and will complete a Master of Divinity degree this month and Master of Arts in theology degree in May 2024.

Summer ministry assignments for Meinders have been in the parishes of Our Lady of Good Counsel, Moorestown; St. John the Baptist, Allentown; St. Pius X, Broomall, Pa.; Holy Family Home, Philadelphia, and St. John the Evangelist, Morrisville, Pa.

Meinders’ prior secular work and volunteering experiences have included being a professional poker player, Latin teacher and coaching chess.

The soon-to-be Rev. Mr. Meinders said that during the Mass of Ordination, he will be vested in the diaconal vestments of a dalmatic and stole by Father Michael Wallack, pastor of St. John the Baptist Parish. He will return to Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish to serve his diaconal year assignment.

By EmmaLee Italia, Contributing Editor

Prayer at the center

Continued from 9 in 2019; Nativity, Fair Haven, in 2020, and St. Charles Borromeo, Cinnaminson, in 2021. These assignments, Rev. Mr. Hrycenko said, have given him the opportunity to learn from many diocesan priests.

“All of them encouraged me to ask questions about what happens at the parish, the daily life of a priest, or why they celebrate the liturgy a certain way,” he said. “That openness and honesty was tremendously helpful … Although the parishes … are diverse and have different personalities, they are all striving for the same goal: honoring and worshipping God.”

The impact of prayer, Rev. Mr. Hrycenko said, “especially praying a Holy Hour … before the Blessed Sacrament,” was a vital lesson he took from the Mount St. Mary Seminary rector, who encouraged the seminarians “to live our holy hour … [as] the center of not only a priest’s prayer life but also their entire life.”

As for his vocation, Rev. Mr. Hrycenko hopes “to be able to encounter Jesus Christ. My life as a priest has only one goal: to help people get into heaven.”

 “Through ordination, we receive an indelible character in our soul which conforms us to Christ …”

Ten men prepare to serve as permanent deacons

After five years of preparation, 10 men will be ordained May 20 as permanent deacons for the Diocese of Trenton. Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., will confer the Sacrament of Holy Orders in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, giving them the faculties to preach and preside over weddings, Baptisms, wakes and committals. From various careers and life experiences, the 10 soon-to-be deacons are all married with families. Their formation has included completing a five-year program with studies consistent with the intellectual norms established in the National Directory for the Formation, Ministry and life of Permanent Deacons in the United States. Following are the profiles of the men who have answered God’s call to serve the Church.

CHRISTOPHER F. BUONO

Sponsoring

Parish: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Whiting Birth Place/ Year: Point Pleasant; 1976

Family: wife, Courtney; son, Michael, 26, daughters, Julianna, 20, Isabella, 18, Angelia, 15; grandchildren, Jackson and Adalyn; parents, Paul and Dolores (both deceased)

Employment Background : Catholic cemeterian/assistant manager, St. Joseph Cemetery, Toms River

Education: Walnut Street Elementary School, Toms River (1984-1990); Toms River North High School, Toms River (1992-1996); Georgian Court University, Lakewood, undergraduate certificate in pastoral ministry (20182021)

Certificates, Honors, Technical Training: National Honor Society for Religious Studies and Theology

Areas of Ministry: Extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, lector, sacristan, eighth grade catechist aide, all in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish

What inspired you to pursue a vocation as a deacon? My pursuit to the vocation of the diaconate began at an early age. After the sudden passing of my dad at a young age, I drew very close to God and the

Church. It was then that I began to feel the call to service. I felt deeply compelled to use my life experiences, both good and bad, to help others in the name of Christ. I simply could no longer deny the intense call to serve the Lord and his people.

Vesting Priest: Father Evarist Kabagambe, pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish

DONALD GRIES

Sponsoring

Parish: St. Justin the Martyr, Toms River

Birth Place/ Year: Rahway; 1959

Family: wife, Deborah Ann Gries; daughter, Danielle Triolo, 37; son, Kyle, 34; grandchildren, Maverick James Gries, 6, Dominic Steele Triolo, 4, Milo Reign Gries, 4; parents Jerome Vance Gries (deceased) and Elizabeth Gries

Employment: systems analyst, Ocean County Utilities Authority, Bayville

Education: School #8, Linden (19661971); Linden High School, Linden (1974-1977); Georgian Court University, Lakewood, undergraduate certificate in pastoral ministry (2018-2021)

Certificates, Honors, Technical Training: DeVry Technical Institute, diploma in electronic engineering technology, 1979

Areas of Ministry: Holy Name Society, men’s faith group, Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults team member, extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, cohort implementation team member, lector, acolyte, ALL IN St. Justin the Martyr Parish

What inspired you to pursue a vocation as a deacon? First came rescue, then inspiration. Out of my wife Debbie’s love and through her prayers and the support of my loving family, I found my way to God’s peace. The Holy Spirit led me to Father Mark (Kreder, pastor, St. Justin the Martyr Parish) and the faith-filled people of St. Justin’s. They led me to love our Catholic faith. In his time, the Holy Spirit inspired me to serve these “apostles of kindness” because I have received so much from them.

Vesting Priest: Father Mark Kreder, pastor of St. Justin the Martyr Parish

LOUIS E. “ED” MAYER IV

Sponsoring

Parish: St. Mary of the Lakes, Medford

Birth Place/

Year: Mount Holly; 1964

Family: wife, Michele R. Mayer; daughters, Melissa E. Cossio and Sara M. Meyer; granddaughter, Caiden L. Cossio; parents Louis and Theresa Mayer

Employment Background: director, Holtec International, Camden; retired U.S. Navy captain

Education: St. Mary of the Lakes School, Medford, (1971-1979); Holy Cross High School, Delran, (1979-1983); B.S., chemical engineering, Pennsylvania State University (1983-1987); M.A., strategic studies, Air Force War College (2001-2002); M.A., theology, Georgian Court University, Lakewood (2022)

Areas of Ministry: Reader, extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, parish pastoral council, Pre-Cana, sacristan, all in St. Mary of the Lakes Parish, and St. Mary of the Lakes School board

What inspired you to pursue a vocation as a deacon? My inspiration to become clergy was inculcated and fostered while attending St. Mary of the Lakes Elementary and Holy Cross High Schools. Sister Marie Agnes and Msgr. James Dubell were selfless in word and action and were incredible role models. A career in the Navy honed my call to service and provided the opportunity to work with sailors from all walks of life under the most arduous conditions. Once retired from naval service, I was drawn to becoming a deacon. Father Dan Swift and my family assisted whenever and wherever they could.

MYNOR PARDO

Sponsoring

Parish: St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton

Birth Place/

Year: Guatemala City; 1971

Family: wife, Susan Perez; daughters, Paula, 24, and Daniela, 21, son, Javier, 18; parents, Gustavo and Sofia de Pardo

Employment Background: Service technician, Arctic Air Conditioner, Old Bridge

Education: Salesiano Don Bosco Elementary School (graduated 1987); IECA High School, Guatemala City (graduated 1990); completed marketing studies at UMG, 1994; undergraduate certificate in pastoral ministry, Georgian Court University, Lakewood, 2021

Areas of Ministry: Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, Bible studies for youth and adults, director of altar servers, all in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral

What inspired you to pursue a vocation as a deacon? First, because God called me, and I want to be obedient and follow his call. Second, because of the service. I have seen the other deacons and have heard the tes-

timony of their lives and how through their services, they have helped to build God’s Church

Vesting Priest: Msgr. Joseph L. Roldan, rector, St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral

WILLIAM ROSS

er-growing desire to get closer to Jesus, to help others to do the same and to help with the mission of the Church to bring the lost sheep back into the fold.

Vesting Priest: Father Jeffrey Kegley, pastor, St. Mary Parish, Middletown

PHILIP J. THOMPSON

Sponsoring Par-

ish: St. Veronica, Howell

Birth Place/

Year: Brooklyn, N.Y.; 1976

nology project manager, Bank of America, Jersey City

Education: Chester Elementary School, Chester, N.Y., (1967-1972), and Manor Oaks Elementary School, New Hyde Park, N.Y. (1972-1973); New Hyde Park High School, New Hyde, N.Y. (1973-1979); B.S., marketing, St. John University, Queens, N.Y. (19791983); B.S. equivalent in computer science, Hofstra University, Hempstead, N.Y. (1987-1989); M.B.A. in finance, Hofstra University, (1993-1996); M.A., theology, Georgian Court University, Lakewood (2018-2021)

Areas of Ministry: Co-director of evangelization, co-director of Life in the Spirit seminar 2023, co-director of Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, lector, extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, teacher/prayer minister for the Encounter School of MinistryN.J. campus, facilitator of men’s discipleship/That Man is You!, member of Knights of Columbus, parish finance council member, parish fair committee member, all in St. Mary Parish

What inspired you to pursue a vocation as a deacon? The Holy Spirit. In 2015, I was an average Catholic man persuaded by my wife to attend a Life in the Spirit seminar with her. From that point on, the Holy Spirit placed inside me a strong, ev-

Family: wife, Nina Thompson; children, daughter, Isabella, 19, son, Nolan, 17; parents David and Thalia Thompson, both deceased Employment Background: Police officer for Howell Township

Education: St. Veronica Grammar School, Howell, 1980-1990; Red Bank Catholic High School, Red Bank, 1990-1994; associates degree in liberal arts, Brookdale Community College, Lincroft, 1994-1997; certificate in pastoral ministry, Georgian Court University, Lakewood, 2018-2021

Certificates, Honors, Technical Training: Monmouth County Police Academy, 1999-2000

Areas of Ministry: catechist, youth minister, extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, parish council member, all in St. Veronica Parish

What inspired you to pursue a vocation as a deacon? Since I was a child I have always had the desire to serve others. My first job was a newspaper boy and I remember the joy I had getting the daily newspaper to my neighbors, no matter the weather. That same desire eventually led me to serve my community by becoming a police officer. I now look forward to serving the parish family of St. Veronica in all their needs. In serving others, I serve the Lord while at the same time striving to bring others to embrace Christ’s love in their life and look for Christ’s presence in each other. Serving others has always

Vesting Priest: Father Daniel F. Swift, pastor of St. Mary of the Lakes Parish

been a beacon drawing me to a closer relationship with the Lord, especially in this crazy world we live in. I now yearn humbly to continue this journey I’ve been called to, by having faith and trust in the Lord, wherever he shall lead me.

Vesting Priest: Father Peter James Alindogan, pastor, St. Veronica Parish

ROBERT VIDAL

Sponsoring

Parish: St. Mary, Barnegat

Birth Place/ Year: Roselle Park; 1972

Family: wife, Barbara Vidal; daughters, Emma, 20, Gracie, 18, Hailey, 13, son, Charlie, 14; parents, Charles (deceased) and Kathleen Vidal

Employment Background: field area manager, Veolia Water

Education: Holy Spirit School, New Hyde Park, N.Y. , (1978-1986); New Hyde Park Memorial High School, New Hyde Park (1986-1990); St. John University, Queens, N.Y., associate degree, criminal justice (1990-1992); certificate in pastoral ministry, Georgian Court University, Lakewood (2018-2021)

Certificates, Honors, Technical Training: theology

Areas of Ministry: Extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, PreCana, catechist, sacristan, all in St. Mary Parish

What inspired you to pursue a vocation as a deacon? While living in New York, I was very involved in the fire department, achieving the rank of captain. However, due to an injury, I knew that I could no longer be in fire service but still wanted to serve. While attending a men’s retreat, during my Adoration time, I was reflecting and praying as to what God wanted me to do because I wanted to serve again. I could clearly hear God say to me that he wanted me to become a deacon and serve his people. As a deacon I am

looking forward to bringing people closer to God no matter where they are in their faith journey.

Vesting Priest: Msgr. Kenard

Tuzeneu, pastor, St. Mary Parish

JAY LEWIS WERLING

Sponsoring Parish: St. Theresa, Little Egg Harbor Birth Place/ Year: Pittsburgh, Pa.; 1962

Family: wife, Kimberley A. Werling; daughter, Katherine Rose Murphy, 36, stepdaughter Jennifer Marie McCarthy, 36, son, Andrew Jay Charles Werling, 21; grandchildren, Christian, Parker, Kayla and Rayven Murphy; parents, Joan Lewis and Francis J. Werling, both deceased

Employment Background: Air shuttle specialist, DOT/FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center Center Operations, Logistic Management Branch, Egg Harbor Township; Retired Msgt, USAF/177th FW N.J. Air National Guard, Egg Harbor Township Education: McClellan Elementary School, Pittsburgh, Pa. (1968-1973); Pleasant Hills Middle School, Pittsburgh, Pa. (1973-1976); Thomas Jefferson High School, Jefferson Hills, Pa. (1976-1980); CCAF/Community College of the Air Force, associates degree in applied science – logistics, 2001 and transportation, 2005; CSU Colorado State University-Pueblo, McGuire AFB, concentration in social science with a minor in psychology (20002006); Georgian Court University, Lakewood, undergraduate certificate in pastoral ministry (2018-2021)

Areas of ministry: Sacristan, lector, extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, catechist, Knights of Columbus (St. Theresa Council and Father Charles J. Waters Assembly), Altar-Rosary Society. Previously served as a Virtus facilitator and choir member, all St. Theresa Parish What inspired you to pursue a vocation as a deacon? When I was younger I felt the desire to apply

to the priesthood but I enlisted in the military instead. I have served this great country for the past 40 years both in the USAF and for the FAA. It will be my honor to serve our Lord Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church. Also, Deacon Bill Sulzmann and Father Mick Lambeth, who are dearly missed, greatly inspired me to apply to the diaconate program.

Vesting Priest: Father John Large, pastor, St. Theresa Parish

JOHN L. WHITE

SPONSORING

PARISH: St. Monica, Jackson

Birth Place/

Year: Watertown, N.Y.; 1955

FAMILY: wife, Caroline S.; daughter, Jennifer P., 39, son, Brian M. 37; grandchildren, Mason and Sawyer Cuntala, Colin, Harper and Braydon White; parents Jack and Rosemary White (both deceased)

EMPLOYMENT BACKGROUND: Retired, U.S. Army (1973-1993); project manager (defense contractor), SAIC (1993-2003); owner/CEO, Log Tech – defense contractor, Microsoft refurbisher and electronic recycling (2003-2016)

EDUCATION: St. Antoninus School, Newark (1960-1968); Essex Catholic High School, Newark (1968-1971); St. Joseph College, Standish, Maine, B.A., E-business and technology (20002004); Columbia Southern University, Ala., M.B.A. (2007-2008); Georgian Court University, Lakewood, M.A., theology (2018-2021)

CERTIFICATES, HONORS, TECHNICAL TRAINING: graduated cum laude from St. Joseph College

AREAS OF MINISTRY: Seventh grade religious education instructor, extraordinary minister of Holy Communion for assisted living centers and homebound, lector, 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, weekday sacristan, parish building committee, parish pastoral council, parish advocate for the Open Door

Pregnancy Center, grief support facilitator, all St. Monica Parish

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE A VOCATION AS A DEACON?

Throughout my life, God has planted seeds of vocation, but the busyness of everyday life was a distraction. One day I had a peaceful experience and reexamined my life. I realized the seeds had flourished and I was being called to be a disciple of the Lord. With the support of Father Alex (Enriquez, pastor), Deacons Mike Principato and Gene Moir, I learned more about my calling from God as I began the discernment process.

VESTING PRIEST: Father Alex Enriquez, pastor, St. Monica Parish

THOMAS R. WIECZERZAK

SPONSORING PARISH: St. James, Red Bank

Birth Place/Year: Brooklyn, N.Y.; 1981

FAMILY: wife, Diana M.; sons, Thom-

Honoring Our Blessed Mother

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Columbus, St. James and St. Anthony Council, (Past Grand Knight); extraordinary minister of Holy Communion; lector; Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults team member; Jordan River Ministry; Lazarus Ministry, all St.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE A VOCATION AS A DEACON? The inspirational moment to pursue the diaconate started in my high school days. I had always had a drive to serve my community from becoming a volunteer firefighter to an emergency medical technician. As I grew in life, I realized that the pinnacle of service to my community was through serving Christ and his people, helping our priests lead our communities to the salvation of Christ. The diaconate is one of the many ways to show faith in action and lead in the Church on the path Christ showed us.

VESTING PRIEST: Msgr. Joseph N. Rosie, pastor, St. James