Here are some stunning photographs from yesterday’s ordination to the transitional diaconate of 18 students from the Pontifical North American College in Rome — including Diocese of Lansing seminarian Thomas Crowley. Deo gratias.
“Some people say at the diaconate you make all the promises, celibacy, and there’s no going back, but really, since I’ve met Jesus in a real, experiential, deep, and powerful way, there’s been no going back,” said Deacon Crowley on October 1. “This is just the next step with Him. It’s a really big step.”
The Mass of Ordination was celebrated at the Altar of the Chair in Saint Peter’s Basilica. The principal celebrant and ordaining bishop was the Most Reverend Robert Barron, Bishop of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota.
Bishop Barron used his homily to emphasize that the young deacons must bear Christ’s mission in mind as they complete their studies in Rome and prepare to take what they have learned back home to their local parishes.
Christ himself said, “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church,” Bishop Barron said, going on to add that “when Christ’s words resonate through you to his people, things change. Hearts are set on fire.”
25-year-old Thomas Crowley is a son of Church of the Resurrection parish in Lansing, where he was educated K–8 at the parochial school, followed by Lansing Catholic High School. He began his studies for the priesthood at Saint John Vianney College Seminary in Minnesota before embarking on major seminary at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. Deo volente, Deacon Crowley will be ordained to the sacred priesthood next summer.
“I don’t know exactly what’s coming, but I know exactly who I’m doing it with, and his name’s Jesus Christ,” said Deacon Crowley. “And that makes me really excited to give myself totally, in a radical and forever way, to Him.”
So, what is a deacon? Deacons are members of the clergy, along with priests and bishops. The deacon’s ministry has three dimensions: liturgy, word, and service. At the liturgy, he assists the bishop and priests. At Mass, the deacon proclaims the Gospel, may be invited to preach the homily, and assists at the altar.
Deacons, like priests and bishops, can perform baptisms and may witness the sacrament of Holy Matrimony and lead funeral rites when outside the context of the Mass. They can also preside over various services, such as Benediction, Eucharistic Services, and Stations of the Cross, and they may give certain blessings. Deacons cannot hear confessions, anoint the sick, or celebrate Holy Mass.
