Prince of Peace Catholic Church

Twenty-three Permanent and Transitional Catholic Deacons were Ordained on Saturday, May 13 at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago

The Archdiocese of Chicago has the largest Catholic diaconate in the world with 500 active deacons.

The ordination was recorded on the archdiocese’s YouTube channel Catholic Chicago: https://www.youtube.com/live/dmhpA5e67Fc?feature=share

“As the Holy Father reminds us, just as Jesus made Himself the servant of all, deacons are called to serve the Church and God’s People, especially those who feel excluded,” said Cardinal Cupich. “I look forward with hope to the ministry of our new deacons and their gifts of selfless service and dedication.”

In the Catholic Church, deacons preparing for the priesthood are known as transitional deacons. They are seminarians ordained after their third year of theology studies at Mundelein Seminary, and will return for one more year of studies as deacons before ordination to the priesthood in 2024. Those not planning to be ordained priests are called permanent deacons. Married men may be ordained permanent deacons. Single men who commit to celibacy may be ordained as permanent deacons.

The newly ordained deacons will assist the bishop and his priests in ministries of the Word, Liturgy and Charity. These include proclaiming the Gospel, leading intercessions, preaching, preparing the altar, celebrating baptisms, leading the faithful in prayer, distributing holy communion, witnessing marriages and conducting wake and funeral services. Deacons also identify the needs of the poor and underserved, and shepherd the Church's resources to meet them. 

Here at Prince of Peace, we are blessed to now have seven permanent deacons.  Please welcome Deacon George and Kristin Schmelter to our pastoral family.