A regular visitor to The Bench, Pete Bond, sent me this wonderful bit of news: Saturday, he and four other men will become the newest members of the diaconate family in California:

As most of the faithful are aware, “Gaudete” means “joyous”…and so it is with great joy that the Diocese of San Bernardino announces the ordination of five new deacons, who will be ready to serve beginning this Third Sunday of Advent.

Bishop Gerald R. Barnes ordained the five men as permanent deacons at an ordination Mass and celebration in Rancho Cucamonga, CA on December 15.

Eager to begin their service are: Fernando Vera of San Jacinto, Luis Sanchez of Alta Loma, Bob Beidle of Upland, and Dan Hudec and Pete Bond, both of Yucaipa.

Beidle and his wife Sue have been married for 36 years, and have two grown sons. He is National Accounts Mgr. for FreshPoint Produce company, and will serve as deacon at St. Anthony’s in Upland.

Bond and his wife Cathy have been married for 29 years, and have one grown daughter. They are members of St. Frances X. Cabrini in Yucaipa, where he will serve as new deacon. He is in his 30th and final year as a fifth grade teacher at Yucaipa Elementary School.

Hudec and his wife Lisa have been married for 26 years. They have
four sons. He is self-employed as the owner of a computer consulting business. He will serve as a new deacon at St. Frances X. Cabrini in Yucaipa.

Sanchez and his wife Rosa have been married for 29 years and have one daughter and two sons. He is employed by the City of Los Angeles, and will be serving as permanent deacon at the parish of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Rancho Cucamonga.

Vera and his wife Raquel have been married for many years, and have three grown daughters. He has been employed by the Val Verde Unified School District for sixteen years, and will serve as new deacon at Holy Spirit Church in Hemet.

The Diocese of San Bernardino was formerly part of the Diocese of San Diego, and was established in 1978. It covers a geographic territory of 27,300 square miles and is comprised of 97 parishes in the two counties of San Bernardino and Riverside.

All five of the new deacons, as well as their spouses have journeyed together toward the diaconate for the last five years. They all feel well prepared for their ministries, and look forward with eager anticipation to serving the People of God in the diocese. The theme for the ordination ceremony was, “Here I am, Lord.”

They present themselves with all humility to God in service to others.

My prayers are with you all! Congratulations and God bless. And welcome!

Photo: Fernando Vera, Dan Hudec, Bob Beidle, Pete Bond, and Luis Sanchez