Family, fellow parishioners and friends of Samuel Bagyo Jr., Adam Prichard, Martin Smith and Jason Stone gathered to support them as they received the sacrament of holy orders, ordaining them to the order of deacon as a transitional step toward being ordained diocesan priests. Also taking part in the liturgy were about 30 diocesan priests, Deacon Steven Arisman and Deacon Seth Brown, permanent deacons and seminarians from the Springfield diocese.
During his homily Bishop Paprocki acknowledged the importance of this ordination. "It would be a mistake to see ordination to the diaconate as less important as the ordination to come next year," he said. "(This ordination) is an extremely important day in their lives personally and for the church."
The four men were about to leave behind their former lives as members of the laity, he said, adding that deacons are clerics, members of the clergy. He spoke about their upcoming promises and asked that they "resist the temptation to see this as a step toward something greater" but added that their diaconate will be, of course, the "best way to prepare for the priesthood."
Father Christopher House, director of seminarians for the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, presented the candidates for ordination. During the Mass, the four men were given the assent of the assembly, made a commitment to celibacy, promised to follow their vows, were vested with the stole and dalmatic, and received the Book of the Gospels from Bishop Paprocki.
Father Charles Edwards vested Deacon Bagyo, Msgr. Michael Kuse vested Deacon Prichard, Father Joseph Molloy vested Deacon Smith and Father David Zimmerman vested Deacon Stone. Following the ordination Mass, the new deacons were honored at a reception held in the Cathedral atrium.
Deacon Bagyo, Deacon Prichard, Deacon Smith and Deacon Stone will be completing their chaplaincy experiences this summer and then will return to Mundelein Seminary for their final year of studies for the priesthood.
As deacons they can assist at Mass, proclaim the Gospel and give homilies, baptize, witness marriages, preside at wake services and at graveside services.
Deacons should be especially dedicated to duties of charity and administration.
They are expected to be ordained priests for the Springfield diocese in May 2015.