October 30, 2024

An important step for five men preparing to become deacons

REGIONAL
By David Martin

Five men in the Diaconate Formation Program and their families posed for a picture with Bishop William D. Byrne after the Rite of Admission for Holy Orders Mass, Saturday, Oct. 26 at St. Michael’s Cathedral in Springfield. (IObserve photo/David Martin)

SPRINGFIELD- Five men in the Diocese of Springfield’s diaconate formation program became candidates during a special Mass held Saturday, Oct. 26, at St. Michael’s Cathedral in Springfield. Bishop William D. Byrne was the principal celebrant for the Rite of Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders. This is the second major step for the class of 2027. The men are now entering the third year of formation. The rite publicly acknowledges their readiness and commitment to be called forward to Holy Orders.

“Compelled by the love of Christ and strengthened by the under workings of the Holy Spirit, my brothers and sons, you have come here to this point making a public declaration of your desire to devote yourself to the service of God and others as deacons. We welcome this desire with joy,” said Bishop Byrne. “Trusting in the Lord, we will assist you with our charity and our prayers.”

Bishop Byrne told the congregation when the time comes for the men to offer their ministry, they will serve their parish and community in three aspects traditionally associated with the diaconate: the ministry of the word; the ministry of the altar; and the ministry of charity.

The candidates are: Michael Blewitt, from Saints Patrick and Raphael Parish in Williamstown; Patrice Dubois from St. Cecilia Parish in Wilbraham; Michael Letendre from All Saints Parish in Ware; Jason Semaski from Blessed Trinity Parish in Greenfield; and Joseph Vareschi from St. Mary of the Assumption Parish in Cheshire.

The candidates have been taking online academic courses. In addition, they are taking courses locally pertaining to Catholic social teaching, pastoral care, homiletics, leadership and liturgical practices, while holding down full time jobs and caring for their families.

 “It is amazing to watch to watch Jesus at work in all the people at our parish because we do such a great job helping the people who are less fortunate,” said Michael Letendre, who assists with the food pantry at All Saints Parish in Ware. He also assists with the Take and Eat program, which offers a hot meal to the homebound.

“Jesus presents us with more than enough opportunities to help serve him throughout the day and week. It is whether or not we hear those calls or answer them,” Letendre said.

After the homily, the five men were called to the altar for the Rite of Admission. Next was the examination of the candidates, followed by the acceptance.

Deacon candidate Patrice Dubois said Christ plays a central part in his family life as he and his wife, Fabienne, belong to Teams of Our Lady. The small faith community focuses on spirituality for married couples. They have been married for 35 years and have five grown children.

“The diaconate is even increasing that connection. We have to respect first our vows of marriage and now we are entering into another vow, the sacrament of vocation, the sacrament of ordination, especially for the men, to even dedicate even more quality time to our wives,” said Dubois.

“That is a process that forced me to change for the better. It is a positive thing, but it is also challenging thing. But it is a very important thing because we need to navigate those two commitments,” he added.

Deacons play an important role in the Catholic Church, as part of the ordained ministry. They assist a priest during Mass. They can proclaim the Gospel and preach, and like a priest, they are also ordinary ministers of the sacrament of baptism.

They can be married or unmarried, but cannot marry after they are ordained. They can also give the benediction of the Blessed Sacrament during Eucharistic adoration.

After the Mass a luncheon reception took place in the Bishop Marshall Center..

A video version of this story will be on an upcoming edition of “Real to Reel” which temporarily airs Sunday mornings at 6:30 a.m. on WWLP-22 NEWS.