The rainy and chilly weather outside did nothing to dampen the joy felt on Saturday, April 25 as Bishop Thomas John Paprocki ordained two third-year seminarians to the transitional diaconate during Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield.
Family, fellow parishioners and friends of Paul Joseph Bonk and Braden Maher 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 a good number of diocesan priests and permanent deacons, the transitional deacons from the diocese who are set to be ordained later in May, as well as other diocesan seminarians. Acting as masters of ceremonies were Father Brian Alford, who is also director of the Office for Vocations and Deacon Larry Smith, who serves at Cathedral.
In his homily Bishop Paprocki said ordination to the diaconate is a significant moment in the life of the new deacons and also in the life of the church. "Just a few moments ago, you were called to enter into the sanctuary. This is more than just a practical step so that we can better see one another," he said. "It signifies that you are making an important transition from your current state as a member of the laity to become a member of the clergy. You will soon share in that unique brotherhood that we all share with one another as ordained ministers.
"That transition requires that you understand that your life will be different from this point forward," he said. "As the name of the sacrament suggests, your life will now be ordered exclusively to the holy pursuit of giving your life to Christ and his church." Then he reflected on the different promises the two men were about to make.
At the conclusion of his homily, Bishop Paprocki said that it is his prayer that both Deacon Bonk and Deacon Maher embrace their new way of life "by living that well-ordered life that is expected of you by Christ and his church" and then he asked that priests, deacons, religious and lay people pray for them, too.
Father David Hoefler, vicar general, presented the candidates for ordination. During the Mass, the two 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 William Jeffry Holtman vested Deacon Bonk and Father Christopher Brey vested Deacon Maher. Following the ordination the rainy weather continued, so the men were welcomed by the priests and deacons in the Cathedral Atrium and then the men posed for photos with Bishop Paprocki in the church. Then they returned to the Atrium for a reception in their honor.
As deacons the men 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 the duties of charity and administration.
Both men will finish their third year in the seminary this spring and will receive assignments for the summer before returning to their seminaries (Deacon Bonk at Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology in Hales Corners, Wis., and Deacon Maher at St. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology in St. Meinrad, Ind.) for their final year of studies for the priesthood.
Deacon Bonk and Deacon Maher are expected to be ordained priests for the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois in May 2016.