Moved by the Holy Spirit, new deacons called to serve the people of God with passion and devotion

Four men from the Archdiocese of San Antonio and two from the Capuchin Franciscan Friars were ordained to the diaconate to serve the people of God by Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, on November 16 at St. Anthony Mary Claret Church.

The newly ordained are Deacons Matthew De Leon, Ricardo Ramirez, Blayne Riley, and Ian Robbins for the archdiocese, and Deacons Brandon Berg and Donald Rank for the Capuchin Franciscans.

“The people of God are out there, hungering for the word and for the sacraments, and they have called out to be served. You, my brothers, are here because you have heard that calling and responded with joy and courage,” the archbishop told the ordinands.

“What kind of service will it be?” he asked, answering, “We hear the answer clearly ringing through the Scriptures.”

In the Book of Numbers, Moses tells God he cannot do all this work by himself. “We feel that way in ministry sometimes. The weight of the needs of God’s people can be very heavy. You will experience this in your service as deacons,” the archbishop acknowledged.

“So, what to do?” he quizzed, responding, “You rely on what Moses did. He asked God to send fellow ministers. God sent him the 70. He gave them a share of the same Spirit that Moses had received from on high.”

Archbishop Gustavo gave thanks that the Church has called six more to serve, and they also will receive a share of the living Lord, the Holy Spirit. “Never forget that you are not alone in service,” the archbishop emphasized to the seminarians. “Live as faithful sons of the Church, with the faithful of the Church, and for the faithful of the Church. No burden is too heavy for the Body of Christ.”

The Missionary of the Holy Spirit told them that it is Christ’s own mission they are participating in. “He is the one sending you, just as he sent the Apostles. He breathed his Spirit into them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ He sent them to be missionaries of peace and reconciliation. He gave them a share of his mission — to reconcile all people to himself,” he explained. “When you receive the Holy Spirit remember that there are no boundaries or borders on the merciful love of God. Peace can always be found in a servant of the Lord, alive in the Spirit of God. Do not hold back the gift you are receiving. We are sent to everyone, without exception, to share peace and mercy in the love of Christ Jesus.”

The San Antonio prelate stressed to the six that they are called to do this through true accompaniment. “We do not just come in, teach, and leave. The people are crying out to be instructed, to be served, to be loved,” he said. “But we do this as fellow children of God, giving of ourselves in order to walk with others. We offer witness and draw people to the Gospel by the attraction of that witness.”

Archbishop Gustavo recounted the story of Philip and the eunuch from Ethiopia. Philip listened to the Holy Spirit, who directed him to the man. He recognized the desire in his heart to love God. Philip did not talk down to the man or simply lecture him. Philip first asked questions, listened to him, and got to know who the man was. Then he invited him to go deeper. All the while, Philip showed he was there to walk with him as a brother in service. The man responded with passion. He recognized genuine care and love in the apostle, and he walked with Philip with an open heart. So effective was Philip’s service that the man demanded baptism. He could not wait to receive the Holy Spirit, then go out and share his own encounter with the Lord to anyone who would listen.

“This is the mission you are being given in a new way,” the archbishop continued.  

He quoted Pope Francis, who has said: “We need a church capable of walking at people’s sides … a church which accompanies them on their journey.”

“We are not sending you to ‘give’ the faith to anyone,” Archbishop Gustavo asserted. “You are being sent to share your witness, inviting others to walk with you in the faith. You are being sent to bring others along in our journey together with God, who guides us and gives us life.”

The archbishop pointed out to the transitional deacons that the Holy Spirit will fill them, and they will be consecrated to the service of God’s Word and his sacraments.

“You will go to share mercy and peace, through genuine care and love for God’s people. Remember to keep your eyes and hearts open to others,” he concluded. “You do not go alone. We are here to celebrate the beauty God has bestowed upon his people.”

Just prior to the homily, Father Jonathan Felux, director of vocations and seminarians for the archdiocese, called the candidate forwarded by name, and each one responded and approached Archbishop Gustavo, making a sign of reverence to him.

During the promise of the elect, the archbishop questioned them. Then, each of the elect knelt before him and placed their hands between him, to whom they promised obedience.

Following the litany of the saints, the elect rose and each one knelt before Archbishop Gustavo. In silence, the archbishop placed his hands upon the head of each of them. With the elect still kneeling before him, the San Antonio prelate, with arms outstretched, pronounced the prayer of ordination. The newly ordained then received their stole and dalmatic.

Vested as deacons, the newly ordained went to the archbishop and knelt before him. He placed the Book of the Gospels in the hands of each one, before offering each the sign of peace to conclude the rite of ordination.

By Today's Catholic Newspaper

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