From the diocesan Facebook page:
Eighteen men were ordained permanent deacons for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis at the Cathedral of St. Paul in St. Paul Dec. 9 by Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Williams.
You can read the men’s biographies at this link.
From The Catholic Spirit:
As transitional Deacon Nicholas Vance helped his father, Christopher Vance, 58, put on the deacon’s stole and dalmatic vestment during his father’s ordination to the permanent diaconate on Dec. 9 at the Cathedral of St. Paul, the junior Vance thought about how his father helped him get dressed when he was growing up.
“And so, it only seemed appropriate that I accidentally messed it up and had him try to put his arm through the (vestment) head hole,” laughed the younger Deacon Vance, who is preparing for priestly ordination for the archdiocese next spring.
Deacon Christopher Vance, a member of Transfiguration in Oakdale, wasn’t perturbed by the slightly awkward moment but instead felt “an incredible amount of profound peace,” while focusing on the altar where he looks forward to serving as a deacon.
“What a joy it has been, for as my wife (Leila) would say, the Lord, the great architect, has architected this encounter and this path that Nick and I happen to be on during the same year. So, all glory be to God.”
… More than 50 ordained deacons and over 50 priests, along with Bishop Emeritus Richard Pates and Auxiliary Bishop Michael Izen, were present at the ordination as Bishop Williams encouraged the ordinands to be set apart for their ministry of serving, preaching and offering charity in the archdiocese.
“The opportunity for ministry is infinite,” he said, adding that their service as deacons will come out of their life and prayer. “Live your life and pray the (Liturgy of the Hours).”
Congratulations, brothers, and welcome! Ad multos annos!
