Fifteen men to be ordained permanent deacons on June 25

Criterion staff report

It was 14 years ago that 25 men from central and southern Indiana were ordained as the first class of permanent deacons in the history of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.

In the time since, the diaconate has become an ordinary part of the life of the Church in the archdiocese, with 16 more ordained in 2012 and 21 men ordained in 2017. Permanent deacons ordained in other dioceses have also moved to the archdiocese and ministered in some parishes.

On June 25, 15 men will be ordained as the archdiocese’s fourth class of permanent deacons in a Mass beginning at 10 a.m. at SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Indianapolis. Archbishop Charles C. Thompson will serve as the principal celebrant at the liturgy. (Read profiles of all the men here)

After they are ordained, there will be 70 deacons serving in the archdiocese, including two who have retired and four ordained elsewhere who are now ministering in central and southern Indiana.

Seating will be available for the Mass for the general public. It can also be viewed online live at www.archindy.org/streaming.

The deacon candidates to be ordained have completed four years of formation and participated in an intensive year-long application process before that.

As archdiocesan director of deacon formation, Deacon Kerry Blandford has overseen the preparation of the 15 deacon candidates to be ordained on June 25.

“Having journeyed with these men for the past five years has been a blessing,” he said. “Given the impact of COVID-19, theirs was a different and in some ways more challenging formation. They persevered and met those challenges and will do the same as they move into active ministry. They will be a blessing to the Church.”

Deacon Michael East looks forward to assisting the new deacons in their life and ministry.

“I am here to help them make a smooth transition into the ministry of permanent deacon while maintaining their role as husband and father to their respective families,” said Deacon East, who serves as archdiocesan director of deacons. “They are coming to ministry during very trying times with COVID-19 and all the unrest that is affecting our communities. At the same time, it can provide many opportunities for their ministry.” †