The Ordination of Matthew Martel and Michael Maynard
The Diaconate Program has been a long journey for Matt Martel and Mike Maynard but filled with the holiness of God and blessed with the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. Six years has seemed like a long time, but now those six years are coming to fruition.
On Saturday, December 3rd, Matt and Mike will be Ordained as Permanent Deacons in the Diocese of Peoria, serving Sacred Heart Parish. On Sunday, December 4th, Deacon Matt and Deacon Mike will assist at the 11:00 a.m. Mass. Following Mass, a reception in their honor will be held in Culemans Fellowship Hall. Everyone is invited to take part in this exciting day filled with grace, holiness, and anticipation.
We have been gifted with four Deacons Ordained to serve the needs of Sacred Heart Parish. Deacon Donald VanderVennet was Ordained in 1976, Deacon Dr. John Landry was Ordained in 1979, Deacon Dennis DeVooght was Ordained in 1997 and Deacon Patrick Murphy was Ordained in 2002. So, it has been twenty years since Sacred Heart has had anyone in the Diaconate Program. We welcome our two newest soon-to-be Deacons with enthusiasm and delight!
For those of you wanting to know the special duties of a Deacon, please see below.
A Catholic deacon is one who is ordained to diakonia, that is, a service to God’s People in communion with the bishop and his body of priests. “The principal function of the deacon is to collaborate with the bishop and the priests in the exercise of a ministry which is not of their own wisdom but of the Word of God, calling all to conversion and holiness” (National Directory, USCCB, 2005, p. 16-17).
The newly ordained deacons will assist the bishop and his priests in ministries of the Word, Liturgy and Charity. This includes proclaiming the Gospel, leading intercessions, preaching, preparing the altar, celebrating baptisms, leading the faithful in prayer, distributing holy communion, witnessing marriages, and conducting wake and funeral services. Deacons also identify the needs of the poor and underserved, and shepherd the Church's resources to meet those needs.
You are invited to join us on December 4th at the 11:00 a.m. Mass to show our love and support of the hard work Matt and Mike have experienced. Your presence at the Mass and reception will be the best gift you can give to both.