The press release:
Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger will ordain four permanent deacons and one transitional deacon for the Diocese of Albany at a Mass and Rite of Ordination at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 125 Eagle St., Albany, on Saturday, May 22, at 11 a.m.
The four permanent deacons are James Agnew, 43, of St. Joseph’s in Troy; Craig Dempsey, 61, of St. Edward the Confessor in Clifton Park; Thomas M. Poznanski, 45, of Christ the King in Guilderland; and Gregg Wilbur, 50, of St. Joseph’s in Broadalbin.
The transitional deacon is Russell Bergman, 50, of Burnt Hills. He is preparing for ordination to the priesthood for the Diocese of Albany at Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Mass.
Once ordained, permanent deacons may preach and administer the sacraments of baptism and marriage. Transitional deacons are granted these same faculties but continue their studies in anticipation of ordination to the priesthood.
The May 22 ordination celebration is by invitation only due to COVID restrictions. The Diocese encourages the faithful to pray for our new deacons and to join the celebration via livestream, which will also be available for playback after the ordination for those who cannot view it live.
Congratulations, brothers, and welcome! Ad multos annos!
You can see the recording of the ordination here.
And the worship aid for the service can be found here.
