Before Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., formally accepted the class of 15 men as candidates for the diocesan diaconate formation program, he offered the clear and direct words of guidance on the vocation they are about to pursue.

During the Rite of Candidacy, a ceremony which took place within a Mass that Bishop O’Connell celebrated Sept. 18 in St. David the King Church, West Windsor, the men were called to prepare to receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders through three years of formal study. The rite marks the end of a period of aspirancy for the men which began last year. During their Aspirant Year, the men, who hail from all around the four counties of the diocese, seek to discern whether they are being called to the diaconate, learn what to expect in the diaconate formation program and more about the life of a deacon in general.

During the Rite of Candidacy, Bishop O’Connell invited each candidate to declare his intentions of preparation to assume ministry within the Church and to give faithful service to Christ the Lord.

The Sept. 18 Mass also provided the occasion for the 125 deacons attending to participate in a “Recommitment Ceremony” which serves as a reminder of the ministry that they have been called to in service of Word, sacrament and charity and their promise and obedience of the bishop of the diocese. During the ceremony, which was led by Bishop O’Connell, the deacons stood before him and rededicated themselves to their ministry and support of their parishes as well as promising to continue the proclamation of the faith.

In his homily, Bishop O’Connell directed his words toward the prospective deacons and presented an outline of what it means to be a deacon; what is to be expected of the men as they now embark on their three-year journey of required formal study in preparation to receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders, and what will be expected of them once they are finally ordained deacons.

“The diaconate is part of the Sacrament of Holy Orders,” Bishop O’Connell said. “Deacon are clergy,” and to become a deacon is a decision that the men “should not take lightly,” Bishop O’Connell emphasized.

Elaborating on how the diaconate is not “simply an honor” that is given or “about the ‘fifth degree’ of some religious association,” the bishop explained that the diaconate is “a special consecration of those who receive it from the bishop for ordained ministerial service within the diocese.”

“The exercise of this ministry is not restricted to the parish in which one lives at the time of ordination,” Bishop O’Connell continued. “Like the priest who receives Holy Orders, the deacon may be asked by the bishop to serve anywhere in the diocese and should be prepared to do so.”

“The deacon promises obedience to the bishop, collaborates with the pastors and priests and stands among God’s people as a living witness to Jesus Christ,” the bishop said.

Bishop O’Connell shared insight about the upcoming “comprehensive study” of the permanent diaconate that will be undertaken in the diocese, saying: “You are living at an exciting time of transition not only for the diocese but for the diaconate as well.”

The bishop noted how the study’s purpose “will enable the bishop and all those responsible for this ministry in the diocese to insure that our diaconate program is of the highest quality and that our permanent deacons have the opportunity to exercise real and effective ministry within and for the diocese.”

Bishop O’Connell exhorted the new diaconate candidates to pursue their vocation in Holy Orders with the joy that can only be given to them by the Holy Spirit in the Church.

As prospective deacons, “you are seeking something very important and something beautiful,” said Bishop O’Connell.

Among the new deacon candidates were two from St. Mary of the Lakes Parish, Medford – Timothy R. Collins and Sean McMahon.

“This has been one of the happiest days of my life,” Collins said.

An extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, a reader, a member of the liturgy committee and head sacristan, Collins shared how he is looking forward to becoming a deacon and participating in a “service ministry.”

Collins extended his appreciation to the deacons who currently serve in St. Mary of the Lakes for their insight on the diaconate, as well as to Msgr. James H. Dubell, pastor, who approached him about seriously considering a vocation.

“Msgr. Dubell has faith in me that I can do this,” said Collins, who has been a member of St. Mary of the Lakes since 1968 and is a 1978 graduate of the parish school. “I’m very lucky that he has been there for me.”

Even though McMahon has also been active in liturgical ministries in St. Mary of the Lakes as well as involved as a youth group leader and a catechist, he sees that becoming a deacon will allow him the opportunity to share his faith in a greater way with other people.

“It brings me great joy to be able to share what I have with others, to help someone else become closer to God,” said McMahon, who has been married 24 years and is the father of three children.

“That’s the main role of a deacon – to share the Good News and bring people closer to God.”

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