Ordination update: 12 new deacons for Philadelphia

Last updated on: June 13, 2017 at 2:16 pm by Deacon Greg Kandra

Ordination update: 12 new deacons for Philadelphia 2017-06-13T14:16:49-04:00 Deacon Greg Kandra

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It happened last Saturday at the Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia, as Archbishop Charles Chaput ordained a dozen men to the order of deacon.

You can see a full slide show of the event here.

Story story, from Catholic Philly:

In his homily Archbishop Charles Chaput focused not on the designation of Stephen and his companions as the first Christian deacons but on the order of those dedicated to God’s serviced as described in Numbers 3:5-9.

Moses was a descendent of Levi, one of the sons of Jacob. Aaron, the brother of Moses, by God’s command was chosen as high priest. His sons were the priests of the community and the other men of the tribe of Levi were charged with assisting the high priest and the priests.

“The Levites are closely associated with our understanding of the role of deacon in the church,” Archbishop Chaput said. “The sacrament of Holy Orders is divided in three parts. Some are chosen as bishops, high priests from the community like myself. Other are chosen as priests, the pastors of the various parishes. And others are chosen as deacons to assist the bishop and the priests.”

Although the deacons are like the Levites of old and have a ministry of service, they are really following the example of the Lord.

“You are called to serve after the model of Jesus who came not to be served but to serve,” Archbishop Chaput said.

Eleven of the twelve new deacons were assigned to their own parish. Deacon Anthony J. Bellitto Jr. was assigned to St. Stanislaus Parish, Lansdale; Deacon John R. Bowie to St. John Chrysostom Parish, Wallingford; Deacon Michael J. Cushing to St. Jude Parish, Chalfont; Deacon M. Kevin Harrington to Holy Cross Parish, Springfield. Deacon Patrick J. Kennedy to St. Philip Neri Parish, Pennsburg; Deacon Christopher J. Mars to St. David Parish, Willow Grove; Deacon Daniel E. Marzurek to St. Isaac Jogues Parish, Wayne; Deacon Edward J. Potter to St. Luke the Evangelist Parish, Glenside; Deacon John J. Pfeifer to St. Andrew Parish, Newtown; Deacon Mark R. Szewczak to St. Ann Parish, Phoenixville and Deacon Justin J. Watkins to Sacred Heart Parish, Oxford.

The only Philadelphia resident, Deacon Christopher J. Roberts, a member of Our Mother of Consolation Parish in the Chestnut Hill section of the city, was assigned to Holy Martyrs Parish, Oreland. He is a board member and faculty member of the Martin Saints Classical High School scheduled to open in September at the former Holy Martyrs School.

Read the rest.

Congratulations, brothers, and welcome! Ad multos annos!

Photo: Sarah Webb/Philly Catholic

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