Kudos to Brooklyn’s own, Bishop Kevin Sweeney, who today ordained his first batch of deacons at his new perch in Paterson, at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist.
Details about the new deacons can be found in story published recently in the diocesan newspaper, The Beacon:
For the ordination Mass, a limited number of well-wishers — family, friends, priests and religious of the diocese and members of the parishes where the deacons are from — have been invited to attend as a sign of encouragement to the men to be ordained to the diaconate. The limited number of attendees follows state mandates on large gatherings, social distancing regulations, and the requirement to wear masks.
That morning, Bishop Sweeney will ordain the following men as permanent deacons: Juan B. Borges of St. Bonaventure Parish, Paterson; Jerzy Chciuk of Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Highland Lakes; Johnny R. Figueroa of Sacred Heart of Jesus/Most Holy Rosary Parish, Dover; Ronnie Gonzalez of St. Anthony Parish, Hawthorne; Brian Janusz Gusciora of St. Joseph Parish, Passaic; Stephen Patrick McKenzie of St. Joseph Parish, West Milford; Marc Mackin of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Pompton Plains; Gilberto Martinez of Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Passaic; Luis C. Mendez of St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Parsippany; John R. Meyer of St. Michael Parish, Netcong; John J. Mihalko of Assumption Parish, Morristown; Russell A. Raffay of St. Michael Parish, Netcong; William J. Ruane of St. Matthew the Apostle Parish, Randolph, and Gregory J. Szpunar of St. Lawrence the Martyr Parish, Chester.
This will be the first class of permanent deacons ordained in the Diocese since 2015. They bring a wide range of work and ministry experience to the parishes and people they will serve. Currently, there are 106 permanent deacons in the Paterson Diocese.
Congratulations, brothers, and welcome! Ad multos annos!
