On June 13, 2009 Bishop Thomas Wenski will ordain fourteen men to the Permanent Diaconate in the Diocese of Orlando. The following is a post from the Diocese of Orlando website.

All are invited to attend the ORDINATION TO THE DIACONATE on Saturday, June 13, 10:00 a.m. at the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe in Orlando. There are many reasons for the existence of the Permanent Diaconate in the Church, but all of them presume the praise of the Most Blessed Trinity.

The deacon’s sacred ministry is at the service of God’s revelation of Himself as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The deacon’s work must serve to lead the people to know, love and serve the One and Triune God. The following men will take their place among the successors of the first deacons, in a close and sacramental partnership with the Bishop and priests of the Diocese of Orlando, a partnership in the Gospel of Christ. It is a vocation of special service to the people of God, special service closely associated with the priests. It is a service of charity; it is an outreach in the name of Jesus Christ and the Church. The service of each deacon is more than a personal contribution of an individual. It is part of the life of the Church and the mystery of Christ.

Please pray for these men and their families:

• Don Andrews, Resurrection, Lakeland
• Juan Contreras, St Rose of Lima
• Kevin Crawford, Our Lady of Grace
• Juan Cruz, St. Mary Magdalen
• Alan Espinoza, St. Isaac Jogues
• Joseph Gassman, Holy Name of Jesus
• Bruce Gesinski, Prince of Peace
• Norman Levesques, Sts. Peter & Paul
• Patrick McAvoy, Holy Family
• Michael Mintern, St Joseph, Palm Bay
• Robert Steve Roe, St. Joseph, Lakeland
• John Rumplasch, Jr., St. Mark the Evangelist
• Vincent Trunzo, Holy Name of Jesus
• Paul Volkerson, St. Charles

Special congratulations to Mr. Paul Volkerson! Mr. Volkerson is a member of my parish and has been very helpful to me this year as I have continued to discern priestly ministry.

May God bless all of these men and their families as they approach ordination.