3 priests-to-be ordained as deacons

Bishop Stika celebrates the Rite of Ordination

By Bill Brewer

Deacon Bo Beaty had been ordained only a few moments when he realized he already has someone ready for the priest-to-be to bring into the Catholic Church.

Deacon Beaty is one of three young men in the Diocese of Knoxville ordained to the transitional diaconate by Bishop Richard F. Stika on June 3 at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. He was joined by Deacon Michael Willey and Deacon Daniel Herman.

As soon as the ordination Mass concluded and as photos were being taken on the cathedral sanctuary steps, Deacon Beaty’s father, Donald, shared that he likely will become Catholic once his son is ordained a priest.

Mr. Beaty, fighting back tears of joy, spoke proudly of being a resident of Jamestown in Fentress County, where his son was born and raised. He recalled that the mother of his best friend in Jamestown helped found St. Christopher Parish there.

“I went to Mass with him every Saturday night. I probably went there more than I did anywhere, but I never switched to Catholic,” Mr. Beaty said. “I told Bo that when he got to where he could do more that I would probably join up.”

That time should come next spring, when Deacons Beaty, Willey, and Herman complete their final year at St. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology in St. Meinrad, Ind., and are ordained to the priesthood.

Mr. Beaty also spoke proudly of his son and his accomplishments as the new deacon begins to serve God, the people of God, and the