By Marie Mischel
Intermountain Catholic
SALT LAKE CITY — The Most Rev. John C. Wester ordained 21 men into the order of the permanent diaconate on Jan. 23, urging them to “believe what you read, teach what you believe and practice what you believe.” The deacons will greatly benefit the diocese, he said. “Most of them will be serving in parishes; they’re going to be able to serve God’s people by doing weddings, baptisms, funeral rites, etc. They’re also going to be able to...take some of the stress off the priests” by serving in missions and acting as part of the parish staff, working collaboratively with the local pastors, he said.
 |
The diaconate candidates prostrate themselves on the altar during the ordination ceremony at the Cathedral of the Madeleine.
IC photos by Marie Mischel
|
|
 |
During the ritual laying on of hands, Bishop John C. Wester is shown with Armando Solórzano of St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Salt Lake as Douglas B. Smith of St. Florence Mission in Huntsville waits his turn.
IC photos by Marie Mischel
|
|
 |
Jean Murphy places the stole symbolizing the diaconate on her husband, Kenneth Murphy, both of St. James the Just Parish in Ogden.
IC photos by Marie Mischel
|
|
 |
Thomas Rogers of Christ Prince of Peace Parish on Hill Air Force Base serves the communion cup for the first time as deacon.
IC photos by Marie Mischel
|
|
 |
Bishop John C. Wester chats with the newly ordained deacons after the ceremony that was the culmination of four years of prayer, study and preparation.
IC photos by Marie Mischel
|
|
 |
Andy Hunnel (inset) of St. Henry Parish in Brigham City is one of the new deacons.
IC photos by Marie Mischel
|
|
|
