“I’m Deacon Jim,” said Deacon James Grebe as he greeted well-wishers at the Cathedral of Christ the King. The introduction came easily to the new deacon, who was one of eight men ordained to the permanent diaconate Saturday, Feb. 1. For Deacon Grebe, it was a day that links him to his family, including two brothers who are also deacons, and a son who is a priest, in a special way.
Father James Grebe, a priest of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, posed for a photo with his uncles and newly ordained father.
“I am very proud of him and very surprised. I never thought I’d see something like this,” said the priest. “It’s a special day.”
The new deacon is the oldest of his two brothers, John and Andy, but the final one to be ordained. Appropriately, Deacon Grebe will serve at Holy Family Church in Marietta.
The cathedral was full an hour before the ordination Mass. There was a palpable air of joy and anticipation as friends and family members of those to be ordained greeted one another and spoke of their loved ones.
Bishop Joel M. Konzen, SM, celebrated the Mass, ordaining, in addition to James Grebe, Deacons Bruce Goodwin, David Hernández, William Kester, Dev Lobo, Joseph W. Odom Jr., Igor Ponce and James Windon.
Husbands, fathers and grandfathers, the men range in age from 48 to 68 years old and are from a wide variety of backgrounds. They represent industries including law enforcement, technology, accounting, carpentry and veterinary medicine. But they all share a common desire to serve their church and its flock.
Congratulations, brothers, and welcome! Ad multos annos!
Photo: Michael Alexander/Georgia Bulletin
