Seminarians move one step closer to priesthood

Four men will be ordained to the transitional diaconate for the Diocese of Venice.

BOB REDDY | FLORIDA CATHOLIC VENICE BUREAU EDITOR

Posted: 04.24.09

VENICE | After years of study, four Diocese of Venice seminarians will be ordained as transitional deacons in the coming weeks.

Two of the men, Bernard Chojnacki and Cory Mayer, will be ordained May 8 at a Mass at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice. The 11 a.m. Mass is open to the public.

Mayer has been serving a pastoral year assisting at Epiphany Cathedral, and Chojnacki has been completing his studies at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Seminary in Orchard Lake, Mich.

Two other seminarians, Paul D’Angelo and Russell Ruggiero, will be ordained as transitional deacons April 25 at St. Vincent de Paul Seminary in Boynton Beach, where they have done their theological studies.

A transitional deacon is one who desires to ultimately be called to the priesthood. At the diaconal ordination he commits himself to a celibate life and the daily recitation of the Divine Office. As a deacon, he may baptize solemnly, distribute holy Communion, preach during the liturgy and witness marriages.

Ordained for service of charity and the proclamation of the word, deacons continue the ministry of Christ the Servant. As part of their formation for priesthood, all candidates must first be ordained to the diaconate and exercise diaconal service.

The men will serve as deacons until their ordination to the priesthood.

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