On Sunday, Oct. 14, Bishop Thomas John Paprocki admitted 13 diocesan men to the candidacy for Holy Orders. The admission ceremony took place during 10 a.m. Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield. Another man, Jeff Wolf, could not attend the Mass due to illness and will be admitted at a later date.
These men, all members of the Deacon Class of 2016, have completed a year as an aspirant and have now publically shown their will to offer themselves to God and to the church, so that they can exercise sacred orders.
Enrollment in the candidacy is important because it is the first official recognition of their vocation to the diaconate, which must be confirmed in the next four years of formation and education.
During their formation the candidates will continue to grow in their understanding of the vocation, its responsibilities and its obligations. They will spend much time in prayer, gain more knowledge and skills, and learn more about the practical experience of pastoral ministry. They will also continue in an academic program of formation and attend regular weekend formation meetings that will help them prepare to serve the church and the diocese.
In his homily Bishop Paprocki spoke of the beginning of the Year of Faith and called it "a great gift from Pope Benedict XVI." He said that Catholics should "from this day forward endeavor in a particular way to live this Year of Faith."
In speaking of the candidates, most of whom came to the Cathedral with their spouses and families, he said, "We have among us brothers we believe that the Lord is calling to be deacons." These men have allowed the Lord to move their hearts and are letting the Lord's love be known to others, he added.
There are currently 50 permanent deacons serving in parishes in the Springfield diocese; most ordained in Springfield in the years 2007, 2009 and 2012. A few of the men were incardinated in other places and have moved to this diocese.
The new deacon candidates are: Patrick Bauer, Sacred Heart Parish, Effingham; James Baxter, St. Rita Parish, Kincaid; William (Jeff) Beals, Forty Martyrs Parish, Tuscola; Jim Dodge, Blessed Sacrament Parish, Springfield; Thomas Frazier, Holy Family Parish, Decatur; John Kay, St. Anthony Parish, Effingham; Scott Keen, Cathedral Parish, Springfield; Greg Maynerich, Sacred Heart Parish, Virden; Michael Melton, Mother of Perpetual Help Parish, Maryville; Dominic (Mick) Palazzolo, St. John Vianney Parish, Sherman; Rick Schnetzler Sr., Sacred Heart Parish, Virden; Neil Suermann, SFO, Mother of Perpetual Help Parish, Maryville; Jay Wackerly, St. Ambrose Parish, Godfrey; and Jeff Wolf, Blessed Sacrament Parish, Quincy.
Concelebrating the Mass with Bishop Paprocki were Msgr. David Lantz, director of the office for the diaconate and pastor of St. John Vianney Parish, Sherman and St. James Parish, Riverton; and Father John Nolan, dean of the Springfield deanery and pastor of St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Chatham. Father Daren Zehnle was master of ceremonies. Serving as deacons were Deacon Larry Smith, Deacon Jim Ghiglione, Deacon John Murphy and Deacon Dave Sorrell.