November 6, 2024 By Deacon Kevin Mastellon The ordination ceremony of men to the Order of Deacon in this diocese varies. A man in seminary preparing for the priesthood is usually ordained by the bishop in the man’s home parish in the spring a year before he becomes a priest. Those men are called transitional deacons. A man being formed for the order to function as a deacon and not the priesthood is called a permanent deacon. Traditionally, the ordination to the permanent diaconate has occurred at St. Mary’s Cathedral near the feast in October of St. Francis of Assisi, a deacon, In 2025, the ceremony is being moved to coincide with the Feast of St. Lawrence, also a deacon and patron of the deacons of the Diocese of Ogdensburg. St. Lawrence is remembered each year on the liturgical calendar on August 10. Six men are in formation to be ordained Saturday, August 9, 2025. A deacon is a deacon, whether he is permanent or in transition to the priesthood. He may preach the gospel, teach, baptize, lead prayers, witness marriages and conduct wake and funeral services. A permanent deacon can be married. He cannot be ordained unless he has reached the age of 35. The men in formation now come from a variety of backgrounds, educational and life experiences and church involvement. They share a desire to serve. North Country Catholic asked each of the men to be ordained deacon next year to reflect on his call to the ministry.
GORDON J. BURDO, JR. “One day after a Formation for Ministry class, our director, Cathy Russell, asked me to consider applying to the deacon program. The idea scared me a bit, because I considered myself to be an average Catholic at best. But after discussing it with my pastor, Father Alan, I decided to apply. So far, it has taught me a lot about liturgy, catechesis, the Bible, homiletics and Canon Law, but mostly, I’ve learned about myself. It’s very rewarding to discover what you were meant to do on this earth and deacon training helps with this discovery process. It is also a great way to make lasting friendships in the religious community and in your parish. Today, the shortage of priests is a major concern for most dioceses, and Ogdensburg is no exception. Deacons can ease the effects of this shortage by sharing some of the workload. It gives one’s life a purpose and it is an opportunity to show God your willingness to help others.”
JAMES B. KAVANAUGH “My vocation story begins with my wife asking me to join her in registering in the Formation For Ministry class that was upcoming. I really did not think I was interested, but one of our deacons, Neil Fuller, asked me to consider it. I did end up registering for the class and found it to be very interesting and fulfilling. I did not think about going any further when towards the end of that two-year formation another of our deacons, Gary Frank, approached me about attending an information meeting on diaconate formation. Again, I was kind of surprised and did not see myself in the role of a deacon. I attended the meeting and, after much praying and deliberating, thinking of all the logical reasons why I did not want to, I felt called to take this on. Now, less than a year from ordination I find myself eager and wanting to take on the role of serving our parish and parishioners. I have found that sometimes though it may only be a whisper, you should always be ready to listen to the Holy Spirit and see what God has in mind for you.”
“I have always felt a need to serve God in some way since my childhood. God has always been a part of my life and upon my retirement, I discerned God’s call to the diaconate. Having time to spend with family and in God’s service, I am looking forward to serving Bishop LaValley, the priests and deacons of the diocese and the parishioners of my home parish in Saranac Lake”
FRANCIS E. SCZERZENIE “I was raised in a Catholic family, but we were not religious at home. We went to Mass every Sunday and Holy Days. We ate fish on Fridays. That was pre-Vatican II. I still love to eat fish on Friday. The family Bible was somewhere on a bookshelf. Reading the Bible was for priests and nuns. My mom was a convert from the Greek Orthodox Church, and my dad was Polish Catholic. My mom was in the Altar Rosary Society, and my dad was a member of the Knights of Columbus. My extended family included Greek Orthodox, Lutheran, Jewish and Catholic aunts and uncles. We did not discuss religion at home or with our relatives. I have always loved the Catholic Church and desired to live the beatitudes and serve the people. As a child, I lived too far from the parish church to be an altar boy. I had a long bus ride to Catholic grammar school and high school. The first time that I served at the altar was in college. After college, I worked for the US Army during the Vietnam War and got married. I was busy with my career, family and many hobbies. The Catholic Church has always treated me with love. How do we repay love? St. John of the Cross wrote that to repay is to give as much as is given. I want to give back to the Church and serve the people of God in the North Country. Now that my children and some of my grandchildren are adults, I have more time to study the Catholic faith and participate in the Church. I will work to make our Catholic faith more prominent at home and bring Catholic social teachings into action in our community.”
GARRY H. STEVENS “My vocation story is a journey of faith, discernment and service. Throughout my life, I’ve felt a calling to serve others and to deepen my relationship with God. This calling has been nurtured through prayer, community support and the guidance of mentors who have helped me discern my path. As I approach ordination to the diaconate next August, my heart is filled with gratitude and anticipation. I aspire to serve the Church and my community with humility, compassion and dedication. Beyond ordination, I hope to continue growing in my faith, supporting others in their spiritual journeys and embodying the servant leadership that Christ exemplified. This journey is not just about fulfilling a role but living out a lifelong commitment to God’s call.”
NICHOLAS A. TSIBULSKY “My vocation story started several years ago back in the early 90s when I was an altar server. I really loved serving and being near the altar. I eventually had to give serving up as I got older, went off to college, and got started in my career and secular life. But I was always drawn back to church and unknowingly towards a vocation. For a number of years my response, to God’s call was ‘I hear you, but I’m not listening.’ It wasn’t until my wife went through RCIA at Sacred Heart in Massena, did I start to listen. Attempting to help answer questions she had, prompted me to dive deeper into my faith, and eventually work up enough courage to discuss a possible vocation to the diaconate with my pastor. As I’ve gone through formation, I’ve become involved in our parish’s RCIA program, as well as several ministries. As I look forward towards ordination and beyond, I look forward to continuing this work, and gladly accepting what God desires of me as I serve our bothers and sisters. I’m glad I took those steps several years ago to listen to what God wanted for me and encourage all to do the same.” |
||||
|
|||||||||
JAMES P. LAW
