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12 new deacons to be ordained for archdiocese
Published October 3, 2008
Cardinal Adam Maida will ordain 12 men to the diaconate in a 10 a.m. ceremony Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament, 9844 Woodward Ave. in Detroit. The ordination Mass is open to the public.
Permanent deacons perform numerous functions in many parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Detroit, besides their most visible role of proclaiming the Gospel at Mass. They preside at weddings and rosary services for the dead, they visit the hospitalized and homebound, and they exercise their mission of service in other ways. A few serve in paid positions with parishes or the archdiocese. Here are the 12 men who will be joining their ranks this Saturday:
Michael P. Barthel of Roseville
Age:46
Place of Birth: Detroit
Family: Wife, Tracey (Hopper), and three children
Secular Occupation: Licensed respiratory therapist with Wright & Filippis Home Medical
High School: Brablec High School, Roseville
College: Wayne State University, Detroit; Macomb County Community College, and Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit.
Home Parish: St. Angela, Roseville
Pastor: Fr. Andrzej Czarnecki
Intern Parish: Our Lady Star of the Sea, Grosse Pointe Woods Pastor: Fr. Gary Smetanka
Intern Supervisor: Deacon William Jamieson
Field Experience: Baptism preparation classes, coordination of RCIA and sacramental preparation programs, taking Communion to the homebound, nursing homes and hospitals, leading Holy Communion services at nursing care and assisted-living care facilities, presiding at funeral vigils, conducting rite of committal and rosary services, Stations of the Cross, assisting at baptisms, Scripture study with the homeless, witnessing marriage celebrations at St. John Center; participating in fire department chaplaincy, and volunteering with adult chemical and alcohol dependency program.
Memberships: National Board of Respiratory Care and Knights of Columbus Lakeshore Council 2733 (3rd degree)
Hobbies: Flying aircraft as private pilot, golf, hunting and fishing
His vision of ministry: God has blessed everyone in this world with many gifts in their life. Leading a prayerful and sacramental life as a deacon will allow for those gifts I have received to grow and to be shared with others. Diaconal ministry is bringing our Lord Jesus Christ closer to others by way of service to others, just as Christ would serve them. A deacon becomes a herald of the Gospel and the living example of the Gospel in the parish, home and workplace. Centering oneself on the Eucharist and prayer allows for a close relationship with Jesus, thereby being ready to help lead others toward a deeper and more meaningful relationship with Jesus.
What brought him to or through the diaconate program: I give my grandfather all the credit for getting me involved in the Church at a very early age, and for introducing me to some of the different ministries I could be involved with. My grandfather introduced me to the late Deacon Frank Bramos from St. Angela Parish. He inspired me to always serve others as if Jesus Himself were there helping me. As I went on through life, I found myself always placed in many situations in both my work and family life that built upon and strengthened me to serve others. This confirmed that what I was doing was living the life of a diaconal servant to those I met. The love and support of my wife and family, continued prayer, many years of discernment, regular spiritual direction, and the diaconal formation process have helped me realize that the love of God has led me to serve His people as a permanent deacon.
Thomas J. Carter of Washington Twp.
Age: 62
Place of Birth: Detroit
Family: Wife, Mary Ann (Paja), two children and five grandchildren
Secular Occupation: Retired
High School: De La Salle Collegiate, Detroit
College: Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit
Home Parish: St. Paul of Tarsus, Clinton Township
Pastor: Fr. Ronald Essman
Intern Parish: St. Isidore, Macomb Township
Pastor: Fr. Michael Hrydziuszko
Intern Supervisor: Deacon Tony Kendzierski
Field Experience: Sterling Heights Special Needs, St. Joseph Hospital Caring Hands Program, Seasons Hospice, St. Leo's Soup Kitchen in Detroit, St. Paul of Tarsus Food Pantry
Hobbies: Golf, traveling
His vision of ministry: I've always been a champion for the underdog. I see ministry as service to all people, but historically the Chruch and the Gospels show Christ's affinity for the poor and less fortunate. I hope to continue to serve God by serving others.
Scott A. Chadwick of Sterling Heights
Age: 41
Place of Birth: Mount Clemens
Family: Wife, Virginia (Pavone), and three children
Secular Occupation: Program manager for Centracore LLC
High School: Mount Clemens High School
College: Michigan State University, East Lansing; Macomb County Community College; Baker College; and Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit
Home Parish: St. Michael, Sterling Heights
Pastor: Fr. Michael Quaine
Intern Parish: St. Clement, Center Line
Pastor: Fr. Michael Gawlowski
Intern Supervisor: Deacon Eric Sorensen
Field Experience: Vista Maria, Seasons Hospice, Criminal justice ministry (Huron Valley Women's Correctional Facility, MCREST (homeless shelter), World Youth Day at Home chaperone, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, marriage preparation, RCIA, social committee, Christian Service, past parish council president
His vision of ministry: My ministry will be rooted in the servant role of Jesus Christ. It is my belief that my most important role is to be present to others, as Christ is present to us in many ways, especially the Eucharist, and to place my own methods aside and allow God to work through me. I am blessed to have been an eyewitness to several miracles in my life and to see the power of God in action. It is an experience I wish all could have. It is also important to note that most deacons are active in family life and the secular world, and in serving our Lord. In maintaining a healthy balance in all areas life, we honor God through and in the order of vocation He has called us to, as well as bearing witness to the Christian lives we continue to strive to live, following the example He set before us.
What brought him to or through the diaconate program: Deacon Larry Healy asked me to attend a diaconate information meeting in 2001. I was already becoming active in several areas of ministry at St. Michael Parish, and found the night's presentations and information of interest. I prayed about pursuing this vocation and could not find peace about it at that time. So, I placed the rather large packet aside and continued to pray for discernment. While on retreat at St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center in Detroit on March 8, 2003, I had a profound Pauline experience while praying in the chapel. Later that evening, during our conference, the song, "Here I Am, Lord," played and I knew it was time for me to act on my earlier interest. It was my "yes" that began the process, but it is God who brought me through the years of formation and for that I am truly blessed and full of thanks. Looking back on my entire life, I can see His wisdom in placing me in certain circumstances in my life and allowing me to suffer and to grow through each experience. Also, the support and prayers of the parish community, the clergy of the archdiocese, and my diaconate brothers have born witness to the Living God I am humbled and privileged to be called to serve.
David J. Fleming of Hazel Park
Age: 44
Place of Birth: Detroit
Family: Wife, Kelly (Weinberg), and two children
Secular Occupation: Sales engineer for Allied Machine & Engineering Corp.
High School: Kimball High School, Royal Oak
College: Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti; Oakland University, Rochester Hills; and Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit
Home Parish: St. Dennis, Royal Oak
Pastor: Fr. John Christ
Intern Parish: St. James, Ferndale Pastor: Fr. Steve Vileo/Fr. Ken Kaucheck
Intern Supervisor: Deacon John Ball
Field Experience: Covenant House of Detroit, Capuchin Soup Kitchen (Conner Avenue Children's Garden), criminal justice ministry at Huron Valley Women's Correctional Facility, Beaumont Hospital Clinical
Pastoral Education Hobbies: Outdoor activities fishing, biking, hunting, gardening, skiing, etc.
His vision of ministry: The way I envision my ministry is laid out in the Bible in Matthew 25, where Jesus asks, "When did you clothe Me, when did you feed Me, when did you visit Me when I was sick or imprisoned?" This is what leads us in ministry how did we answer Jesus' call to take care of the least of our brethren. I see that as my call to live my life through the Gospel and do for others, bringing comfort to those who need it.
What brought him to or through the diaconate program: One of the most interesting experiences I had was while taking part in the Beaumont Hospital Clinical Pastoral Education process; this is where the "rubber met the road" when it comes to ministering to those in need. I was learning how to be present to those in need, as well as learning what it means to be called to minister to people. There were so many rich experiences that helped affirm my calling to the diaconate that I could probably write a book. What this experience boiled down to was that I met people in all stages of life, from birth to death, and everything in between, and tried to bring comfort in an uncomfortable time in their life. Everyone has a tale to tell, and I learned that in ministry the most important thing to learn is how to listen.
Jack F. Gardener Jr. of Farmington Hills
Age: 52
Place of Birth: Detroit
Family: Wife, Lynette (Larach), and four children
Occupation: Business manager at St. Linus Parish, Dearborn Heights
High School: Farmington High School
College: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti; and Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit
Home Parish: St. Linus, Dearborn Heights
Pastor: Fr. Robert LaCroix
Intern Parish: Most Holy Redeemer, Detroit
Pastor: Msgr. Donald Hanchon
Intern Supervisor: Deacon Ronald McIntyre
Field Experience: Criminal justice ministry, substance abuse rehabilitation ministry with the Capuchins, with Hope Clinic in Ypsilanti, (food bank and clinic) and Society of St. Vincent de Paul (at Most Holy Redeemer)
Memberships: Knights of Columbus
Hobbies: Chess, golf, piano
His vision of ministry: I see ministry as building the Kingdom of God by serving the needs of others how and where the Lord wishes. As a deacon, this service will be through the Church, preaching and teaching the Good News and in many other ways building up the Body fo the Christ.
What brought him to or through the diaconate program: I had the idea of becoming a deacon suggested to me by Deacon Larry Girard at St. Sebastian Parish and Fr. Robert LaCroix at St. Linus, both in Dearborn Heights. In addition, I felt a strong desire to serve the Lord in that capacity, and a good deal of my friends and colleagues all felt it "fit" well.
Kurt John Godfryd of Oxford
Age: 46
Place of Birth: Detroit
Family: Diana (Schneider), and four surviving children
Secular Occupation: Business officer for Cranbrook Schools, and adjunct faculty member, Oakland University Department of Economics
High School: C.S. Mott, Warren
College: University of Detroit Mercy and Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit
Home Parish: St. Joseph, Lake Orion
Pastor: Fr. Michael Verschaeve
Intern Parish: St. Cornelius, Dryden
Pastor: Fr. Wayne Ureel
Intern Supervisor: Deacon Donald Cox
Field Experience: St. Aloysius Warming Center, Detroit; Imago Dei Crisis Pregnancy Center, Detroit; Crossroads for Youth, Oxford; Campbell Nursing Care, Oxford; ministry to the sick at St. Cornelius, Dryden Hobbies: Golf and reading His vision of ministry: I believe the deacon should strive to be a living icon of Christ the Servant within the parish and larger Church community. At the end of the liturgy it is the deacon who declares "The Mass is ending. Go in peace to love and serve the Lord." By this exhortation, all the faithful are called and empowered to be the Body of Christ for others within our families, workplaces and wherever we might go. During my years of formation I have been privileged and blessed to have been given the opportunity to minister to those in need. Through this service I have come to realize a great peace within my own life. The deacon, therefore, should be one who helps others to both recognize and fulfill their baptismal calling, in order that they also may build upon the idea of service to one another.
What brought him to or through the diaconate program: Almost two decades ago, at the urging of a dear friend (and state representative), I made the decision to run for political office. After having spent a year walking to nearly 7,000 homes, I ended up losing the election. Shortly after that, an IHM sister at my parish approached me and informed me she had not voted form me because she felt political office was not my vocation. Over the years I have come to realize the prophecy of her words, and that the Lord was preparing me for a different calling.
Daniel F. Gonos of Bloomfield Hills
Age: 55
Place of Birth: McKeesport, Pa.
Family: Wife, Patricia Ann (Zemba)
Secular Occupation: Managing director, First Step Telecommunications LLC
High School: West Mifflin South High School, West Mifflin, Pa.
College: Washington and Jefferson College, Washington, Pa.; Duquesne University, Pittsburgh; and Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit
Home Parish: St. Hugo of the Hills, Bloomfield Hills
Pastor: Msgr. Anthony Tocco
Intern Parish: St. Anastasia, Troy
Pastor: Fr. J.J. Mech
Intern Supervisor: Deacon Ron Cook
Field Experience: Criminal justice ministry, hospital ministry, ministry to the aged, Focus: HOPE information technology training program
Memberships: Knights of Columbus, St. Columban Christian Men's Fellowship
Hobbies: Computers, short-wave radio, reading
His vision of ministry: The mission of the deacon is one of service. Such service may be as simple as a listening ear or a kind word to someone who is hurting, or it may be as profound as organizing an outreach program that provides food, clothing or educational opportunities. It is the deacon's responsibility to tend to the spiritual, and often the temporal, needs of those with whom he comes in contact. It is my hope and desire to reach out in such situations. In a liturgical sense, the deacon assists at liturgy, but again this is a complex process. Beyond assisting the priest, the deacon should also work in the background to make certain that liturgy is properly organized, and that it is both reverent and meaningful to the congregation.
What brought him to or through the diaconate program: My initial introduction to the diaconate occurred when I was still a college student in Pittsburgh. I attended a series of retreats for young adults at St. Paul's Monastery on the city's south side. During one of the retreats, the retreat director mention ed the reinstatement of the diaconate in the Pittsburgh Diocese. At 24 I was much too young to pursue ordination, but the idea appealed to me and I committed myself to follow the course when it became appropriate. In 2003 I attended a meeting of the Detroit Serra Club, an organization whose mission is to encourage vocations. The guest speaker was a deacon, who explained his own journey and the satisfaction and passion that he gained from his years as a deacon. I knew I was being called. The time since has made me aware of my own spirituality and of the great hunger that exists in contemporary American society for a better, more spiritual way. Through my education at the seminary and practical experience during the journey, I hope to be able to satisfy some of that hunger after ordination.
William J. Kolarik of Imlay City
Age: 44
Place of Birth: Mount Clemens
Family: Wife, Linda (West), two children and two grandchildren
Secular Occupation: Business manager at Everest Academy
High School: Anchor Bay High School, Fair Haven
College: Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant; and Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit
Home Parish: Immaculate Conception, Lapeer
Pastor: Fr. Douglas Terrien
Intern Parish: Sacred Heart, Imlay City
Pastor: Fr. Ezquiel Mondragon
Intern Supervisor: Deacon Joseph Hulway
Field Experience: Hospice ministry at Brian's House, Davison; summer camp ministry at Immaculate Conception, Lapeer; youth conference at Steubenville, Ohio
Memberships: Knights of Columbus
Hobbies: Guitar, reading, gardening
His vision of ministry: To serve in the spirit of the Gospel, our class motto sums up our collective and individual responsibilities to our neighbor and the Lord. My entire future ministry must remain centered in Christ, whom I serve, and both flow out of and into the Mass and the communities in which I serve. All that I receive through my participation in the Mass must then be shared within the community. Likewise, all that I experience in the service of others within the community their needs, sorrows, joys I bring with me to the Mass as a community offering in union with the holy sacrifice of the Mass.
What brought him to or through the diaconate program: The entirety of my past experiences brought me to the diaconate, not just one single experience devout parents, strong foundational formation through childhood years, solid witnesses of the faith in home parish and the deacon who served there, to name a few. In addition, it was the needs of the Church and ultimately God's rich gift of grace at work in my discernment. Ultimately, it was His invitation and my ability to say yes with the help of His grace, which brought me into the diaconate program.
Michael F. Lang Sr. of Madison Heights
Age: 58
Place of Birth: Detroit
Family: Wife, Diane (Barbarich), six children and 17 grandchildren
Secular Occupation: Credit and collections specialist for Christian Financial Credit Union
High School: Notre Dame High School, Harper Woods
College: Lawrence Technological University, Southfield, and Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit
Home Parish: Holy Name, Birmingham
Pastor: Msgr. John Zenz
Intern Parish: St. Athanasius, Roseville
Pastor: Fr. Ronald Victor
Intern Supervisor: Deacon Michael O'Keefe
Field Experience: Vista Maria (home for battered girls), Bon Secours Hospital and Nursing Home, Focus:HOPE food pantry, Capuchin Soup Kitchen, Kaul Funeral Home (grief counseling), American House Senior Care, eucharistic minister, baptism preparation, RCIA, marriage preparation, confirmation retreats and rehearsals, wake services, committal services, lector, usher, parish council member, festival chairman, Stations of the Cross, benediction, Communion services Hobbies: Golf, attending professional sports events, collecting autographed hockey pucks, collecting baseball and hockey cards, and spending time with his 17 grandchildren
His vision of ministry: The ministry of an ordained deacon is one of service to God and to all the people of the Church 24 hours a day, seven days a week, without exception. My vision for my ministry is to be able to fully utilize the many God-given talents I have received and developed with the help of the Holy Spirit throughout my life. I will go where I am most needed, compassionately bringing to people of all walks of life the message that God loves them via the Good News of the Gospel and the Eucharist. I welcome the opportunity to be a "Servant of the Lord" and to be a good deacon in all aspects of this ministry.
What brought him to or through the diaconate program: As a young man growing up, I always had the desire to serve God in a special way. I seriously thought about the priesthood, but could not master the Latin that was required in those days. I chose the secular life of a married man with a family. As a married man, I remained very active in the Church, serving God daily in the community. Mass, confession and the Eucharist were very important parts of my life and my children's lives. Six years ago, I was (offered a severance package to take) an early retirement after 38 years with the same company. The next morning I can remember sitting in church and just listening to the quiet before Mass was to start. It was at this time I received my calling to the ciaconate. My wife has been my source of strength, our family has been a great support (through this process). Several priests and deacons have been there to support and to guide me. If there was one person I could single out and recognize for pointing me to the life of the diaconate it would be Deacon Ken Fry. It was what he represents and his example that helped bring me to this calling.
Stephen P. Talbot of Clarkston
Age: 56
Place of Birth: Detroit
Family: Wife, Elizabeth (Grazioli), and two children
Secular Occupation: Director of business development and marketing for Asset Management Resources, division of Teksystems Inc.
High School: Bishop Borgess High School, Redford Township
College: Wayne State University, Detroit, and Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit Home Parish: St. Daniel, Clarkston
Pastor: Fr. Christopher Maus
Intern Parish: Our Lady of the Lakes, Waterford Township
Pastor: Fr. Lawrence Delonnay
Intern Supervisor: Deacon John J. Schulte
Field Experience: Colombiere Center (nursing care), Grace Center of Hope (homeless shelter), criminal justice ministry at Oakland County Jail, and ministry to the poor and disadvantaged through PBJ Outreach.
Hobbies: Pocket billiards, golf, family
His vision of ministry: Adult formation in the faith has been overlooked in the Church, where too often spiritual growth ceases to expand beyond confirmation. Many adults have forgotten the truths of their Catholic faith in our secular world. Outreach to adults is needed to revitalize the practice of our faith.
What brought him to or through the diaconate program: During forced unemployment, I came to realize a false ranking of priorities. During this extended period of unemployment, I learned dependence on God and the call to diaconal service.
Lawrence S. F. Toth of Redford Township
Age: 56
Place of Birth: Wyandotte
Family: Wife, Stephanie Mary (Dabrowski), and four children
Occupation: Pastoral associate and parish business manager, St. Valentine Parish, Redford Township
High School: Brookside High School, Lorain, Ohio
College: Baldwin-Wallace College, Berea, Ohio; Cleveland State University; and Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit
Home Parish: St. Valentine, Redford Township
Pastor: Fr. Paul Coutinha, SAC
Intern Parish: Our Lady of Sorrows, Farmington
Pastor: Fr. Mark Brauer
Intern Supervisor: Deacon Clement Stankiewicz
Hobbies: Bicycling, guitar, choral singing, composing music, being a perpetual student
His vision of ministry: As a permanent deacon, I look forward to active participation with others in the building up of the Church by encouraging and empowering others to exercise their gifts and responding to their particular vocation from the Lord. I anticipate having an active ministry of the Word, especially through the New Evangelization. I hope to grow with my fellow Christians in faith, and seek an ever-deepening unity with one another. I am particularly interested in attending to the needs of the dying and those with troubled marriages.
Ronald W. Vader of Livonia
Age: 49
Place of Birth: Detroit
Family: Wife, Mary Morrison, and three children
Secular Occupation: Capacity coordinator for Detroit Edison
High School: Clarenceville High School, Livonia
College: Lawrence Technological University, Southfield, and Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit
Home Parish: St. Priscilla, Livonia
Pastor: Fr. James McNulty
Intern Parish: Our Lady of Good Counsel, Plymouth
Pastor: Fr. John Riccardo
Intern Supervisor: Deacon Timothy Sullivan
Field Experience: World Youth Day chaperone, Botsford Hospital, Hope Medical Clinic, PBJ Outreach
Memberships: Knights of Columbus
Hobbies: Model railroading, bicycling, historical gaming
His vision of ministry: Jesus said, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few." There's work that God needs done. God has given me the gifts and talents needed to do the work. I can do it. God has called me to the work. Therefore, I will go do the work as well as I can for God's glory and for His people.
What brought him to or through the diaconate program: At one time, I had told the deacon at our parish that he would never again have to ask me three times to do anything. One day he asked me if I would become a deacon. I said, "No." About two years later, he asked me again. Remembering what I had said to him about not having to ever ask me a third time to do something, I said, "Yes."
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