In Their Own Words
December 12, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.
The Monitor asked the newly ordained deacons what aspect of their Ordination day will most impact their diaconal ministry.
Deacon Anthony Cullen
I am overjoyed and working hard as a deacon and middle school religion teacher. As Bishop O’Connell said at Ordination when handing me the Book of Gospels, “Believe what you read. Teach what you believe. Practice what you teach,” is being fulfilled. As campus minister of St. Benedict Parish and School, Holmdel, I am an example of the faith as a member of the clergy. Every day I bless Rosaries and religious articles, deliver homilies, preside at Benediction, talk with kids and parents, baptize babies, bring Communion to the sick and teach the faith day in and out.
Most impactful has been planting the seed of faith in the young people and adults I am with daily. Being a servant of the Church at the altar and being with the people of God has been so rewarding.
Deacon James D. de Poortere 
The moment that stands out most vividly is the Bishop’s laying on of hands. It was a simple, profound gesture—a quiet invocation of the Holy Spirit to fortify me for the ministry ahead. The prayer that accompanied it petitioned God to enable me to serve with unwavering fidelity, and in that instant, I felt an outpouring of grace that words alone cannot capture. This Sacrament has deepened my faith, empowering me to offer myself selflessly and humbly in service to Christ and His Church.
Looking back, the unwavering encouragement of my family, the camaraderie of my friends, and the warm reception from my parish will sustain me through the challenges ahead. I cannot forget the memories of my parents, who instilled in me the truths of our Catholic faith. Those lessons now form the bedrock of my diaconal calling, truly guiding every step I take in ministry.
Deacon Chris I. Ellis, Jr.
The moment of the Litany of the Saints and my prostration during ordination will most deeply impact my ministry. Lying prostrate before God, surrounded by the prayers of the Church on earth and in heaven, impressed upon me the profound truth that ministry can only be sustained through reliance on God’s grace. It affirmed that ministry is never carried out alone; I am supported, guided, and strengthened by the prayers of the Church and the constant mercy of God.
Deacon Gerard (Gez) Ford
It was such an overwhelmingly moving day. I sensed the power of the Holy Spirit strengthening my resolve to serve the Lord. I was particularly happy to promise obedience and respect to the Bishop and to receive those famous worlds declaring me as a herald of the Gospel.
Greeting my brother deacons (and my father deacon) and offering blessings upon the people of God… It’s an amazing gift to be able and ordained to serve. Come Holy Spirit, I am excited for more…
Deacon Errol Giordani
The aspect of my Ordination that will be most impactful to my diaconal ministry is the Sacramental Configuration to Christ the Servant, symbolized by the laying hands by Bishop David O’Connell, C.M., and the charge to be a herald of the Gospel and a servant of the most vulnerable and forgotten.
This spiritual transformation permanently gives me a new life and entitles me, by the grace of God, to a lifelong commitment to serve the Church, the poor and the needy.
Deacon Steven A. Griggs
I think feeling so very humbled that not only my family traveled from Georgia and Washington state to share this day with me, but also the priest (Father Sean Loomis from St. Madeline in Ridley Park) that not only started me on my journey to completing my Sacraments, but introducing me to the permanent diaconate. He came to concelebrate the Ordination Mass and share in this day. I will never forget this day for obvious reasons, but these made it so much more special.
Deacon Christopher J. McNicholas
Interestingly enough, it wasn’t the laying on of hands that was the most impactful moment for me, but rather when I exchanged the sign of peace with the Bishop as a newly ordained deacon. It was at that moment that I truly felt the peace of the Spirit descend on me. It wasn’t the peace you would expect from completing a task or passing a test. I think until that very moment I hadn’t fully surrendered to God’s will. Was I good enough? Was I prepared enough? Was I fit to serve his Church? But in that moment, in that exchange of peace, i knew that his will was done.
Deacon Jeffrey B. Miceli
Three interrelated thoughts come to mind. First, I was overwhelmed by the beauty of the Sacrament and the clear presence of the Holy Spirit. Second, I was deeply touched by the support of the priests, deacons, parishioners, family members, and friends - some I’ve known for more than 40 years - who attended the Ordination. Third, it was a profound experience to witness firsthand the Bishop’s direction to: receive and be a herald of the Gospel of Christ: “Believe what you read; teach what you believe; and practice what you teach.” Collectively, these thoughts form my mission statement: guided by the Holy Spirit, and with the love and support of community, I must always strive to do my best to live the Gospel and help others to do the same.
Deacon John Vitale
The homily given by Bishop O’Connell was most impactful to me. His emphasis on service to others in the Kingdom of Christ as well as a quote from one of my favorite lines in the Gospel where the master tells the servant well done my good and faithful servant.
The Church needs quality Catholic journalism now more than ever. Please consider supporting this work by signing up for a SUBSCRIPTION (click HERE) or making a DONATION to The Monitor (click HERE). Thank you for your support.
At Ordination, new deacons called to be united to Christ in service
Sunday, December 14, 2025
E-Editions
Events
The Monitor asked the newly ordained deacons what aspect of their Ordination day will most impact their diaconal ministry.
Deacon Anthony Cullen
I am overjoyed and working hard as a deacon and middle school religion teacher. As Bishop O’Connell said at Ordination when handing me the Book of Gospels, “Believe what you read. Teach what you believe. Practice what you teach,” is being fulfilled. As campus minister of St. Benedict Parish and School, Holmdel, I am an example of the faith as a member of the clergy. Every day I bless Rosaries and religious articles, deliver homilies, preside at Benediction, talk with kids and parents, baptize babies, bring Communion to the sick and teach the faith day in and out.
Most impactful has been planting the seed of faith in the young people and adults I am with daily. Being a servant of the Church at the altar and being with the people of God has been so rewarding.
Deacon James D. de Poortere
The moment that stands out most vividly is the Bishop’s laying on of hands. It was a simple, profound gesture—a quiet invocation of the Holy Spirit to fortify me for the ministry ahead. The prayer that accompanied it petitioned God to enable me to serve with unwavering fidelity, and in that instant, I felt an outpouring of grace that words alone cannot capture. This Sacrament has deepened my faith, empowering me to offer myself selflessly and humbly in service to Christ and His Church.
Looking back, the unwavering encouragement of my family, the camaraderie of my friends, and the warm reception from my parish will sustain me through the challenges ahead. I cannot forget the memories of my parents, who instilled in me the truths of our Catholic faith. Those lessons now form the bedrock of my diaconal calling, truly guiding every step I take in ministry.
Deacon Chris I. Ellis, Jr.
The moment of the Litany of the Saints and my prostration during ordination will most deeply impact my ministry. Lying prostrate before God, surrounded by the prayers of the Church on earth and in heaven, impressed upon me the profound truth that ministry can only be sustained through reliance on God’s grace. It affirmed that ministry is never carried out alone; I am supported, guided, and strengthened by the prayers of the Church and the constant mercy of God.
Deacon Gerard (Gez) Ford
It was such an overwhelmingly moving day. I sensed the power of the Holy Spirit strengthening my resolve to serve the Lord. I was particularly happy to promise obedience and respect to the Bishop and to receive those famous worlds declaring me as a herald of the Gospel.
Greeting my brother deacons (and my father deacon) and offering blessings upon the people of God… It’s an amazing gift to be able and ordained to serve. Come Holy Spirit, I am excited for more…
Deacon Errol Giordani
The aspect of my Ordination that will be most impactful to my diaconal ministry is the Sacramental Configuration to Christ the Servant, symbolized by the laying hands by Bishop David O’Connell, C.M., and the charge to be a herald of the Gospel and a servant of the most vulnerable and forgotten.
This spiritual transformation permanently gives me a new life and entitles me, by the grace of God, to a lifelong commitment to serve the Church, the poor and the needy.
Deacon Steven A. Griggs
I think feeling so very humbled that not only my family traveled from Georgia and Washington state to share this day with me, but also the priest (Father Sean Loomis from St. Madeline in Ridley Park) that not only started me on my journey to completing my Sacraments, but introducing me to the permanent diaconate. He came to concelebrate the Ordination Mass and share in this day. I will never forget this day for obvious reasons, but these made it so much more special.
Deacon Christopher J. McNicholas
Interestingly enough, it wasn’t the laying on of hands that was the most impactful moment for me, but rather when I exchanged the sign of peace with the Bishop as a newly ordained deacon. It was at that moment that I truly felt the peace of the Spirit descend on me. It wasn’t the peace you would expect from completing a task or passing a test. I think until that very moment I hadn’t fully surrendered to God’s will. Was I good enough? Was I prepared enough? Was I fit to serve his Church? But in that moment, in that exchange of peace, i knew that his will was done.
Deacon Jeffrey B. Miceli
Three interrelated thoughts come to mind. First, I was overwhelmed by the beauty of the Sacrament and the clear presence of the Holy Spirit. Second, I was deeply touched by the support of the priests, deacons, parishioners, family members, and friends - some I’ve known for more than 40 years - who attended the Ordination. Third, it was a profound experience to witness firsthand the Bishop’s direction to: receive and be a herald of the Gospel of Christ: “Believe what you read; teach what you believe; and practice what you teach.” Collectively, these thoughts form my mission statement: guided by the Holy Spirit, and with the love and support of community, I must always strive to do my best to live the Gospel and help others to do the same.
Deacon John Vitale
The homily given by Bishop O’Connell was most impactful to me. His emphasis on service to others in the Kingdom of Christ as well as a quote from one of my favorite lines in the Gospel where the master tells the servant well done my good and faithful servant.
The Church needs quality Catholic journalism now more than ever. Please consider supporting this work by signing up for a SUBSCRIPTION (click HERE) or making a DONATION to The Monitor (click HERE). Thank you for your support.