A newly ordained deacon sent along this news: Indiana has five new deacons (he’s one of them), and there’s a full write up (and lots of pictures) in the Catholic Moment newspaper:

In a celebration that blended prayer, music, pageantry and soul-stirring symbolism, five men were ordained as permanent deacons on Sept. 20 and committed themselves to Christ’s call of service.

The ordination was witnessed by many clergy, more than a dozen women religious and hundreds of family and friends.

A high point came during the Litany of Supplication. The candidates lay face-down on the polished marble floor of the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception as the Litany of the Saints was sung and Bishop William L. Higi knelt in prayer before the altar.(

“That was the most moving moment. I felt it through my whole body,” said Joe VanSchepen, 62, one of the new deacons. “I was trembling the whole time; it was the Holy Spirit entering.”

The rite included the calling forth of each candidate; the promise of the elect; and the laying on of hands by the bishop. After the prayer of consecration, the five men were vested in ivory and gold-colored stoles and dalmatics, presented copies of the Book of the Gospels, and welcomed by priests and fellow deacons with embraces and the kiss of peace.

The newly ordained are: Deacon VanSchepen, of St. Cecilia, DeMotte; Deacon Michael Gray, 54, and Deacon Jose Munoz, 57, both of St. Boniface, Lafayette; Deacon John Jezierski, 60, of St. Thomas Aquinas, West Lafayette, and Deacon William Reid, 60, of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Carmel.

It was the second class of permanent deacons ordained for the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana. The first was ordained in September 2005.

The ordination was the capstone of four years of academic, spiritual, pastoral and human formation. Permanent deacons are servant-leaders, and form a distinct order within the ordained ministry of the Church. They are empowered to assist the bishop and priests at the altar, preside at weddings and burials, baptize, bless, and perform other liturgical duties. They do not celebrate Mass, hear confessions or anoint the sick.

There are approximately 17,000 permanent deacons in the United States. Deacons receive no pay for assigned service, though some may work for the Church in other capacities.

All of the new deacons are married, with families. Each will have a parish and diocesan assignment. Deacon VanSchepen, for instance, will work in nursing home ministry and develop a program for the Fowler Deanery to serve the spiritual needs of shut-ins and their caregivers. He also will continue work in prison ministry.

“The journey is just starting,” he said.

Read on for more. Welcome, brothers! (And those dalmatics are sharp!)

Photo:by Kevin Cullen