It was a packed house. Friends and family from all over crowded into the Cathedral to witness the ordination of 23 men to the diaconate. Three of those men would, God willing, go on to become priests. Twenty of those men would be ordained as permanent deacons. Angie and my youngest son (Jacob) were anxiously waiting in their pew while my two older boys were dressed in red cassocks waiting to process in with all the deacon candidates, deacons and priests of the Lexington Diocese along with Bishop Gainer. The incense was lit, the church choir started up and off we went. The procession itself was a sight to see. To see all of the ordained clergy of our diocese come together for such a blessed event was powerful. It was a three-hour Mass but all I could think about was those five years of formal classes were behind me. Where in the world did the time go? Now all of a sudden I was kneeling before the bishop in front of the altar at the Cathedral of Christ the King. Bishop Gainer laid his hands on my head in an ancient rite that dates back to the time of the Apostles.
“…so they chose Stephen, a man filled with faith and the Holy Spirit, also Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicholas of Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles who prayed and laid hands on them.” (Acts 6:5-6)
These men were the first deacons of the church. I was nearly moved to tears as I felt Bishop Gainer’s hands upon my head. God had chosen me to that same group we read about in the Book of Acts. Ordained to serve the church and the community but also ready to lay down my life for the church. This example is given to us also from the Book of Acts. St. Stephen (the first deacon of the church) was also the first martyr of the church (Acts 7:60). This is what was going through my mind as I arose from my knees after Bishop Gainer laid his hands on my head. Humble, obedient service to God and His church. I really didn’t “feel” different, but I knew that I “was” different. No more excuses, God now gave me a mission to serve His church as a deacon.
I encourage all of you to ask God to give you guidance when discerning your vocation in life. This could be to religious life (priest, monk, nun, deacon), married or single life. God has a purpose for each and every one of us. The hard part is to remain humble, obedient and quiet long enough to listen for the Holy Spirit to move you in the right direction. Remember, prayer is a two-way conversation. It involves talking AND listening. Listen for His answer and be ready to follow it even if it takes you out of your comfort zone. God’s plan is so much easier when you join Him rather than resist Him!
God’s Blessings,
Deacon Brian
Wait...So That's What Catholics Believe?!?! 