Ordination update: 17 new deacons for Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh’s Bishop David Zubik ordained 17 new deacons at St. Paul Cathedral on October 1.

The 17 candidates come from throughout the diocese: 12 from Allegheny County, 2 from Beaver County, 2 from Butler County, and 1 from Lawrence County. All but one of the men is married. They come from a variety of careers and professional backgrounds, including higher education, engineering, medicine, accounting, banking, sales, dentistry, human resources, research, and other facets of business. Four of the men are converts to Catholicism.

“These men have been deeply immersed in the diocesan Deacon Formation Program for more than five years,” Bishop Zubik said. “The process has helped them discern their vocation to this ministry, deepen their relationship with the Lord, and model their lives on Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve.”

Deacon Stephen J. Byers, director of the Deacon Formation Program and the Office for Deacon Personnel, says, “It has been a profound joy to walk with these men throughout the formation program and to witness their growth with the help and assistance of so many dedicated individuals who have been a part of their journey.”