From the Diocese of Cleveland website:
As he ordained three men to the permanent diaconate, Bishop Edward Malesic reminded them that they are now changed forever by their vocation.
“You are a bridge from this altar to the streets outside,” he said during his homily at the May 3 ordination Mass in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist.
The newly ordained are:
- Deacon Richard Anthony Prayson, St. Dominic Parish, Shaker Heights. He is a physician with the Cleveland Clinic and is married to Elizabeth. They have two adult children.
- Deacon Dale Carter Shafer, Holy Family Parish, Parma. He is an HVAC supervisor with the Cuyahoga County Library and is married to Laura. They have three adult children.
- Deacon Jeffrey Edward Stutzman, St. Thomas More Parish, Brooklyn. He is senior manager of digital communications strategy for the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland and is married to Joyce. They have two daughters.
“I can only do so much, but with your help, we can reach out and do more,” the bishop told the new deacons. He said we all have a responsibility to evangelize, but as deacons, the newly ordained have a special role since they “have feet in both worlds.”
The bishop also had some advice for the new deacons, telling them, “You are not to be church flower pots, to stand on the altar and do nothing else. You must bring the Church into the world. You are to be visible, tangible, relatable signs of Christ in the world and to continue the humble service of Jesus.”
Congratulations and welcome, brothers! Ad multos annos!
