On May 11 in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., will ordain 13 candidates to serve as permanent deacons for the Diocese of Trenton. The ordination Mass will begin at 10 a.m.

The men, each of whom has completed four years of formation in the diaconate program, come from a wide variety of backgrounds. While some candidates are native of the Trenton Diocese, others hail from other parts of the state and country. The men are also divergent in their professional careers and the ministries in which they serve in their parishes.

Following are profiles of the 13 men who have answered God’s calling to serve the Church as deacons of the diocese.

Robert J. Bednarek

Resides: Riverton

Ministering Parish: Sacred Heart, Riverton

Place of birth/age: Riverside; 41

Family: Wife, Joyce Bednarek; Parents, John and Catherine Bednarek; children, Holly, 14, Maggie, 13, Lindsay, 9, Casey, 8, Archie, 6, Nellie, 3, and “Baby No. 7” due to arrive Aug. 5

Education: Cinnaminson High School (1990) and La Salle University, Philadelphia (B.A. History, 1995)

Employment: Vanguard, Malvern, Pa.

Ministries: FOCUS Marriage Preparation, pre-cana team, lector, extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, lead Communion services in nursing home

Why the Diaconate? I believe I have been called to be a deacon and have been greatly humbled by it. I look forward to serving the Diocese of Trenton and especially the great people in Sacred Heart Parish. I hope my love of the faith can excite others and help them grow in their relationship with God.

Vesting Priest: Father Michael Waites, pastor, Sacred Heart Parish, Riverton

Richard K. Benner

Resides: Delanco

Ministering Parish: Jesus the Good Shepherd, Riverside

Place of Birth/Age: Lebanon, Pa.; 61

Family: Wife Donna; Parents, Lester L. Benner, Jr. (deceased) and Thelma J. Benner; children Richard K., Jr., Lorna J., Kevin, Christopher

Education: Lebanon Senior High School, Lebanon, Pa.; Troy State University, Troy, Ala. (B.S. Resource Management, 1982); Lebanon Valley College (M.B.A., 1997)

Employment: Education Testing Service, Ewing

Ministries: Acolyte, lector, extraordinary minister of Holy Communion to the  homebound and sick; treasurer of the Order of Secular Franciscans, St. Vincent de Paul Society, RCIA catechist, director of English as a Second Language Program, fourth degree Knights of Columbus in the John Tatham Assembly, spiritual advisor for St. John Neumann Council, Knights of Columbus

Why the Diaconate? I never had a goal in my life to become a deacon. I never thought I would even be a Catholic. God works in mysterious ways to draw people to him. We are the clay and he is the potter. I became a convert to the Catholic Church in 2000 and participated in the RCIA program. My spiritual Franciscan and Vincentian formations called me to seek to be ordained to the diaconate. The diaconate calls the God in me to serve the God in others especially the weakest among us – the poor, hungry, sick, unborn, lonely, elderly and imprisoned.

Vesting Priest: Father Selvam Asirvatham, pastor, Jesus the Good Shepherd

David Colter

Resides: Hamilton

Ministering Parish: St. Raphael-Holy Angels, Hamilton

Place of Birth/Age: Seattle, Wash.; 39

Family: Wife: Karen Benedetti-Colter; Parents: Donald Colter (deceased) and Pauline Colter; children, Dominic, 12, John Paul, 8, Gianna, 1

Education: Eastside Catholic High School, Bellevue, Wash. (1992); University of Portland (B.S., biology, 1996); Tulane University, New Orleans, La. (Ph.D., cell and molecular biology, 2001); Princeton University (post-doctoral training, 2002-2004)

Employment: Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson and Johnson, Spring House, Pa.

Ministries: Youth group, parish pastoral council, lector, extraordinary minister of Holy Communion

Why the Diaconate? Although it has been a life-long process, with periods of rebellion sprinkled with periods of grace, my desire to become a deacon began when I was a young boy. Through the power of the Blessed Sacrament, I now truly understand how the struggles and sorrows of my past were actually wonderful blessings that helped me grow in wisdom and courage. My story is about a grieving boy who is searching for his deceased father, and in that search finds Jesus. I was a boy trying to find my way out of the darkness. I was a boy picked up off the ground, dusted off and shown the way – the way, not only to where I could find my dad, but more importantly, to where I could find Jesus. Essentially, it was through the death of my earthly father, that I was able to find my life and first hear Jesus call my name.

Vesting Priest: Father John O. Chang, pastor of St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish

Louis S. Esposito

Resides: Howell

Ministering Parish: St. Veronica, Howell

Place of birth/age: Brooklyn, N.Y.; 56

Family: Wife, Rosaria; Parents, Anthony Esposito and Rita Esposito (deceased); children, Marc, 29, and Jessica, 26

Education: Iniasa, Naples, Italy (1974); International Correspondence Schools (associate’s degree engineering, 1980)

Employment: OSG Ship Management, Inc., New York, N.Y.

Ministries: Men’s prayer group; men’s and women’s community gathering (monthly); separated and divorced support group; altar server training and oversight; parish retreat committee; parish council

Why the Diaconate? God touched my heart in a special way and showed me his love and mercy. I love serving Christ, the Church, the poor and all those in need. I look forward to hearing God’s voice, receive his love, compassion and guidance for wherever and whatever he calls me to do.

Vesting Priest: Father Vincent Euk, pastor, St. Veronica Parish

Michael Lee Foster

Resides: Manalapan

Ministering Parish: St. Thomas More, Manalapan

Place of Birth/Age: Portsmouth, Va.; 65

Family: Wife, Mary Patricia Foster; Parents, Lyman Francis and Rachel Alice Foster (both deceased);

Education: Portsmouth Catholic High School, Portsmouth, Va. (1965); Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Va. (associate degree in arts/marketing, 1968; B.S. in secondary education, 1972); technical training certificate

Employment: SBA Site Management, Woodbridge

Ministries: extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, lector, hospital ministry, Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Why the Diaconate? My desire was and continues to be to serve God as his faithful servant by serving others. I hope to bring others the love of Christ that they may experience a more meaningful relationship with God in this life in preparation for their eternal life with God in the next life. My prayer is that God will grant me the courage, strength and wisdom to always do his will as nothing could be more pleasing to our heavenly father than to do his will.

Vesting Priest: Father Mark Crane, pastor, St. Thomas More Parish

James V. Gallagher

Resides: Freehold

Ministering Parish: St. Mary, Colts Neck

Place of Birth/age: Brooklyn, N.Y.; 60

Family: Wife Camille Gallagher; Parents J. Vincent and Marie L. Gallagher (both deceased: children (stepdaughter) Kristen Calabrese, 24

Education: Brooklyn Academy Prep (1972); attended St. Francis College, Brooklyn, N.Y.; earned paralegal certification

Employment: Retired in 2010 after 28 years working in the Surrogate Court of New York.

Ministries: Extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, lector, choir, Holy Name Society, usher, pastoral council, liturgy committee, Divine Mercy novena, community building ministry, co-leader of RCIA team, acolyte

Why the Diaconate? God has been calling me since I was 10 years old. I have been blessed with many good godly priests and nuns throughout my life that helped me to discern, understand and eventually answer God’s call to me. I have always felt the peace and calmness that comes from Christ whenever I have been involved in his holy Church. All of these things throughout my life are what inspired and led me to the diaconate. For I know this is where God is calling me to be his humble servant.

Vesting Priest: Father Thomas Triggs, pastor, St. Mary, Colts Neck

Bernard J. Kane III

Resides: Toms River

Ministering Parish: St. Dominic, Brick

Place of Birth/age: Philadelphia; 62

Family: Wife Margie; Parents Bernard J. Jr. and Theresa
R. Kane (both deceased); children Megan Groome, 38, Bernard J. IV, 36, Joseph E., 32; three grandchildren

Education: La Salle College
High School, Philadelphia (1968); La Salle College, Philadelphia (B.A.,
psychology, 1975)

Employment: Retired – Federal Bureau of Investigation, Northfield

Ministries: Previously served as a youth sports coach and pre-Cana; currently serve as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion at Mass as well as part of the parish nursing home and hospital ministry; lector; youth group leader; RCIA

Why the Diaconate? For me, the diaconate was a fruit from Vatican II. As I was growing up, the permanent diaconate was not a vocation available to anyone, yet the development of the diaconate was something that I followed. As I became more active in our vibrant parish where the Spirit is alive, I wanted to serve the people of God and his Church in more ways. I felt the call, the tug and finally the blessing and support of my wife, Margie. I was especially motivated by the work in our parish of our priests and deacons and I just knew this was something I wanted to explore, discern and become formed.

Vesting Priest: Msgr. James Brady, pastor, St. Dominic Parish

Thomas J. Knowles

Resides: Mount Laurel

Ministering Parish: St. John Neumann, Mount Laurel

Place of birth/age: Philadelphia, Pa.; 53

Family: wife Terry Lynn Knowles; parents: Thomas and Nancy Knowles; children: Lindsay Michelle, 21, and Kelsey Ann, 19

Education: Archbishop Ryan High School for Boys, Philadelphia (1977); attended Temple University, Philadelphia (Business Administration, 1981); Camden County College (associates degree, applied science/ small business management, 1988); Dale Carnegie graduate, (Leadership 2000, 1988)

Employer: Retired from The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; currently employed in the Neurological Surgery Department of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia

Ministries: Lector, extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, pre-Cana, RCIA, religious education catechist for first, second and eighth grade, chairman of Bishop’s Annual Appeal committee, diocesan pastoral council member, parish advisory board member, visiting the homebound, nursing homes and hospitals, liturgical committee

Why the Diaconate? In working closely with the priests and other clergy during my youth and, in particular, when arriving in St. John Neumann Parish, to witness the love, caring, sacrifice and service being performed by those ordained to Holy Orders, the Holy Spirit enlightened and energized my spirit to want to provide service to our fellow parishioners. To assist others in the preparation for the Sacraments of Initiation truly opened my heart and mind in bringing Jesus Christ to them. Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life and to bring the Word of God to others is wonderfully fulfilling.

Vesting Priest: Cistercian Father Lino Parente, pastor, St. John Neumann Parish

Matthew P. Nicosia

Resides: Manalapan

Ministering Parish: St. Thomas More, Manalapan

Place of birth/age: Manhasset, Long Island,N.Y.; 50

Family: wife, Roseann; parents Angelo L. and Muriel K. Nicosia; children Michelle, 26, Diane, 24, Kristen, 17 and Matthew, 15

Education: Susan E. Wagner High School, Staten Island, N.Y., 1980

Employment: Bank of America Securities, New York, N.Y.

Ministries: St. Vincent de Paul Society; Knights of Columbus; extraordinary minister of Holy Communion; lector; altar server ministry; parish web master

Why the Diaconate? My interest in the diaconate was prompted by my former pastor, Father John Bambrick. After a year of prayerful discernment, I entered formation with the support of my current pastor, Father Mark Crane. My family also played a key role in this decision. God has bestowed many blessings on me during my faith journey. It is my desire to make a sacramental commitment of service to God, his Church and its people. There is a saying that God doesn’t call the equipped; he equips the called. By his grace, I will be prepared for the challenges of my role as a deacon.

Vesting Priest: Father Mark Crane, pastor, St. Thomas More, Manalapan

Robert B. Pladek

Resides: Lakewood

Ministering Parish: St. Luke, Toms River

Place of birth/age: Kearny; 62

Family: wife Elizabeth Pladek; parents Max and Emily Pladek (both deceased); children Mary Noeleen McIntyre, 39, Serena Anna Giovine, 37, John Paul, 30

Education: Kearny High School, Kearny (1968); Monmouth University, West Long Branch (B.S., computer science, 1981)

Employer: AT&T Bell Laboratories, Holmdel

Ministries: lector, extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, religious education catechist, adult Confirmation instructor, nursing home ministry, religious education catechist, hospice in nursing home/Alzheimer ministry, altar server training,

Why the Diaconate? I first heard the Gospel at the age of five. It was a life-changing moment that continues to live and grow inside of me from that young age until today. When I discovered the Catholic Church for the first time at the age of eight, I knew God had a purpose and calling for my life in his Church. At the age of 19, I became a Catholic and my joy knew no bounds at the privilege we have, as Catholics, to receive Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist. As a deacon, I can think of no greater act of love than to help others discover and “rediscover” the food that leads to eternal life and to remind all Catholics that our identity and our joy lies in the reality and privilege that we are a Eucharistic people.

Vesting Priest: Father Robert Grodnicki, pastor, St. Luke Parish, Toms River

Charles D. Raylman III

Resides: Browns Mills

Ministering Parish: St. Ann, Browns Mills

Place of birth/age: Philadelphia, Pa.; 60

Family: wife Eleanor Misse Raylman; parents Charles D. and Marion Raylman (both deceased); children Lesha, 39, Nicole, 37, Jenna, 36

Education: Lincoln High School, Philadelphia (1971); attended classes in La Salle University and Community College of Philadelphia

Employment: Cofco, Philadelphia

Ministries: Reader, extraordinary minister of Holy Communion in parish as well as in Deborah and Buttonwood Hospitals along with the state colony hospital for the mentally disabled, parish council president, chairman of the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, Holy Name Society, president of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Burlington County

Why the Diaconate? The need to help and comfort people in times of distress; the love for my parish and pastor, and the support of my wife and family.

Vesting Priest: Father Edwin Matthias, pastor, St. Ann Parish

Richard Gerard Roenbeck

Resides: Freehold

Ministering Parish: St. Gabriel, Marlboro

Place of birth/age: Mineola, N.Y.; 55

Family: wife, Elizabeth; parents Martha Degenhardt (deceased) and (stepfather), Richard Degenhardt

Education: Centereach High School,Centereach,  N.Y. (1975); U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (B.S. nautical sciences, 1979); State University of New York Maritime College (M.S., transportation management, 1986); The College of Insurance (a division of St. John’s University, Brooklyn), 1989; technical training certification

Employment: Nausch, Hogan & Murray, Inc., New York, N.Y.

Ministries: Religious education, RCIA, extraordinary minister of Holy Communion (for both parish and homebound), lector, usher/greeter, (former) adult leader for Cub Scouts, Knights of Columbus, altar server training

Why the Diaconate? I characterize my relationship with God as a love affair which has been a lifetime in the making. For as long as I can remember, God has been a part of my life, surely and steadily becoming the central part of my existence. I believe that reflects the grace of wisdom; unmerited but joyfully accepted. These days, I feel God’s love and guidance and support more deeply than at any time in my life. I am convinced the Lord has work for me to do to build up his body, the Church.

Vesting Priest: Father Eugene Roberts, pastor, St. Gabriel Parish

Ronald Victor Schwoebel

Resides: Roebling

Ministering Parish: Sts. Francis and Clare, Florence Township

Place of birth/age: Trenton; 66

Family: wife, Margaret; parents Ralph Victor and Helen Oros Schwoebel (both deceased); children, Trent Victor Schwoebel, 42

Education: Burlington City High School, 1966; Burlington County College (studied journalism and English); technical training

Employer: Director of Cemeteries, Sts. Francis and Clare Parish, Florence Township

Ministries: Cantor, lector, lector director/trainer, extraordinary minister of Holy Communion (parish and homebound), chaplain for V.F.W., adult faith formation leader, speaker tour, A.A., sacristan, acolyte, caretaker of two cemeteries

Why the Diaconate? Lay ministry within and without the Church, while of value, never seemed to be “enough.” After a few of my pastors floated the idea of the diaconate my way, my inner “urging” to consider it, in spite of feelings of unworthiness, grew. Then I was inspired by our parish deacon, who is now deceased. It was his example of a preserving faith under arduous circumstances that convinced me to finally answer my call.

Vesting priest: Father Adam Midor, pastor, Sts. Francis and Clare Parish