Become a Deacon

Deacon Ordination

A new class of permanent and transitional deacons were ordained on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at Holy Name Cathedral.

Ordination to the Diaconate at 10 a.m.

Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, ordains 11 candidates from Mundelein Seminary, the Institute for Diaconal Studies and the Instituto de Liderazgo Pastoral to the Diaconate at Holy Name Cathedral.

Ordination to the Diaconate at 2 p.m.

Bishop Robert Casey, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Chicago, ordains 11 candidates from the Institute for Diaconal Studies and the Instituto de Liderazgo Pastoral to the Diaconate at Holy Name Cathedral.

A Catholic deacon is one who is ordained to diakonia, that is, a service to God’s People in communion with the bishop and his body of priests. “The principal function of the deacon is to collaborate with the bishop and the priests in the exercise of a ministry which is not of their own wisdom but of the Word of God, calling all to conversion and holiness” (National Directory, USCCB, 2005, p. 16-17).

The newly ordained deacons will assist the bishop and his priests in ministries of the Word, Liturgy and Charity. This includes 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 poor and underserved, and shepherd the Church's resources to meet those needs.
 

Newly ordained deacons: 2021 Cohort

Deacon Jose Adan, St. Elizabeth of the Trinity

Deacon Alfredo Alviar, St. Gall

Deacon Simon Anguiano, St. John Bosco

Deacon Pedro Benitez, St. Ansgar

Deacon John Burnett, St. James (Arlington Heights)

Deacon Timothy Davidson, St. John the Evangelist

Deacon Jose Figueroa, St. Mary, (Des Plaines)

Deacon Kevin Kucik, St. Hedwig

Deacon John Murray, SS. Faith, Hope and Charity

Deacon Derek Oliver, St. Thomas of Villanova

Deacon Jose Oporto, Jesus, Shepherd of Souls

Deacon Miguel Ramos, Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Deacon Gustavo Rebolledo, SS. Genevieve and Stanislaus Bishop & Martyr

Deacon Rafael Romani, Santa Maria del Popolo

Deacon David Schuster. St. Emily

Deacon Jorge Soto, Most Blessed Trinity

Deacon Ramon Velazquez, Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Deacon Robert Velcich, St. Elizabeth Seton

Deacon Jake Vercimak, St. Mary of Perpetual Help/All Saints/St. Anthony

Deacon Philip Wroblewski, Jesus, Shepherd of Souls