Christ teaches through you, bishop tells new deacons

Christchurch Bishop Michael Gielen ordained Ryan Sy (Diocese of Auckland), Linh Cao (Diocese of Christchurch) and Emilio Capin (Archdiocese of Wellington) on September 26.

In his homily, Bishop Gielen referred to the handing over of the Gospels during the Rite of Ordination. Among the words from the Rite are: “Receive the Gospel of Christ, whose herald you have become. Believe what you read, teach what you believe and practise what you teach.”

“These words invite us to pause and listen deeply, revealing the essence of what it is to offer one’s life in service,” Bishop Gielen said.

The bishop acknowledged that there would be times when “you do not know how to speak”. At such times, “remember that God does not call the equipped, rather he equips the called”.

“As you serve the Word,” Bishop Gielen added, “remember it is Jesus’ desire to serve you. It is only when you truly enter and receive his service that you are able to be his herald.

“To believe is to love, and to love one must spend time with the beloved,” Bishop Gielen said. “This is why today our Church gives you the Gospel afresh, she places in your hands not only a book, but a friend, a teacher and a lifelong companion.”

Bishop Gielen noted that, “in approaching God’s Word, people do not hope to hear our clever thoughts or personal perspectives”.

“They want to hear from God. They want the truth for direction, for comfort and for challenge. When you open your mouth in faith, it will not be you teaching, it will be Christ teaching through you,” he said.

Bishop Gielen also told the ordinands that, “in preparation [for] this life of sacrificial love, you have discerned and freely chosen to live a life of celibacy – a positive choice to love with an undivided heart. In living this way, you will bear witness to the Kingdom of God, reminding all of us that our deepest fulfilment is found not in earthly ties, but in the perfect love we will share with God in eternity”.

According to the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, diaconate is the first “order” in the sacrament of holy orders, and for those called to the priesthood it is the first order they receive. All men on their way to the priesthood must first be ordained a deacon. This is called the “transitional” diaconate, because it marks a transition to the presbyterate.

However, not all deacons become priests. Some men are called by God to serve the Church in a way that does not involve the priesthood. This permanent diaconate is a ministry of service.

FULL STORY

Diaconate Ordination 03 (Catholic Diocese of Auckland/YouTube)

Facebook (NZCBC)

What is the difference between a transitional and a permanent deacon? (Aleteia)

Frequently Asked Questions About Deacons | USCCB (USCCB)