10 men to be ordained deacons Saturday
Cardinal Adam Maida will ordain 10 men to the diaconate in a 10 a.m. ceremony Saturday, Oct. 7, at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament, 9844 Woodward Ave. in Detroit. The ordination Mass is open to the public. Permanent deacons perform numerous functions in many parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Detroit, besides their most visible role of proclaiming the Gospel at Mass. They preside at weddings and rosary services for the dead, they visit the hospitalized and homebound, and they exercise their mission of service in other ways. A few serve in paid positions with parishes or the archdiocese.
Here are the 10 men who will be joining their ranks this Saturday:
 Luther T. Aman of Southfield
Age: 59
Place of birth: Detroit
Family: Wife, Diane (Cabaj), and a daughter, Colleen
Secular occupation: Adapted physical education teacher, Detroit Public Schools
High school: Edwin Denby High School, Detroit
College: Wayne State University, Detroit; Illinois State University, Normal, Ill.; plus additional studies at WSU for special education endorsement; and Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit, master of arts degree in pastoral studies
Home parish: St. Beatrice, Southfield
Pastor: Fr. John Gagala
Intern parish: St. Michael the Archangel, Livonia
Pastor: Fr. William Tindall
Intern supervisor: Deacon Robert Ervin
Field experience: Sign-Me-Up Evangelization, assist at nursing homes, help staff in planning and providing activities for the individuals at Oasis-Detroit homeless shelter, helped take families with children cancer victims on a picnic at a cottage in the Irish Hills.
Memberships: Knights of Columbus, Alhambra, Detroit Federation of Teachers, American Alliance and Michigan Alliance of Health, Physical Education and Recreation
Hobbies: Gardening, bicycle-riding, golf, travel
His vision of ministry: Ministry is more than one-dimensional. As a deacon my role will be to serve the Archdiocese of Detroit under the leadership of the cardinal. I will provide a service to my assigned parish while I seek ways to minister to the needs of individuals in all walks of life.
What brought him to or through the diaconate program: During my four years of diaconate formation I have come to realize that in order to serve God and my fellow man, it is important to understand the importance of family. This is not only blood ties, but the interrelationships of all those I come in contact with. This was first realized at my first diaconate couple's retreat. Almost immediately I felt the love and caring of those (who) were to be my brothers and sisters on the same journey toward becoming a permanent deacon. This same feeling continued through the formation days as well as the ties that developed while taking classes together. A deacons' retreat early in my formation contributed even more to not only receive the love from those I had come to know in formation but also with my new brothers in Christ who were already ordained. Each of these experiences has led me to a deeper love that will be needed as I serve God, the Church and all of God's family.
 Michael H. Cummins of Grosse Pointe Woods
Age: 55
Place of birth: Detroit
Family: Wife, Carol Lynn (Nesom), and two daughters, Jennifer Ann Best and Elizabeth Anne Messing
Secular occupation: Sales consultant, Weatheseal Home Improvement
High school: Oak Park High School
College: Spring Arbor University, family life education; and Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit, diaconal studies
Home parish: St. Lawrence, Utica
Pastor: Fr. Robert Fisher
Intern parish: Our Lady Star of the Sea, Grosse Pointe Woods
Pastor: Fr. Kenneth Kaucheck
Intern supervisor: Deacon Bill Jamieson
Field experience: Baptismal preparation workshop and assisting at the celebration of the sacrament, assist and lead funeral wake services, assist and lead rosary services, assist with training workshop for altar servers, lead Holy Communion services at nursing care and assisted-living care facilities, observe at the celebration of marriage at St. John Center chapel.
Hobbies: Restoring classic cars
His vision of ministry: I see myself as one part of the worldwide Universal Church. I like to envision myself as one of the workers in the vineyard. There are many of us there, but the Church is always calling more. Each one of us brings their own individual gifts and talents which combine to bring the message of hope to all people. This is the mission the Lord began, and His Church is called to continue this mission and share the Good News.
What brought him to or through the diaconate program: I came into the Catholic Church as an adult convert. To learn more about the Catholic faith I began taking classes at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in 1981. It was there that I first heard about the permanent diaconate. I was encouraged by my parish priest to pursue the program. The classroom experience has helped me to deeply appreciate the Catholic tradition. Now when I participate in the celebration of the sacraments, I am much more aware of the true presence of our Lord in the sacraments.
 Joseph V. Karle III of Shelby Township
Age: 39
Place of birth: Detroit
Family: Wife, Beth Maureen (Roscoe), and two sons, Joseph and Simon
Secular occupation: Marketing/ advertising with J. Walter Thompson Co.
High school: Grosse Pointe High School North
College: Michigan State University, East Lansing, B.A. in advertising; Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit, diaconal studies
Home parish: St. Lucy, St. Clair Shores
Pastor: Fr. Jim Commyn
Intern parish: St. Mary of the Hills, Rochester Hills
Pastor: Fr. Stan Ulman
Intern supervisor: Deacon Gene Kowalski
Field Experience: Shelby Nursing Center, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan, Ronald McDonald House, South Oakland Shelter.
Memberships: Adcraft Association of Detroit
Hobbies: Music, songwriting, drumming, reading, golf, playing with his children
His vision of ministry: Ministry at the most foundational level is about service. Throughout these past years I have been exposed to many ministries, both inside and outside the parishes, and my approach to ministry is always to follow the example of Jesus the servant. Jesus is the perfect example of what it means to serve. He gave us himself as the living example of how we are to treat our brothers and sisters, all brothers and sisters in this world. And ministry is not limited to the parish community. Diaconal ministry especially is focused on serving all of God's holy people. Through our ordination we are sent to be laborers in God's harvest, and sometimes that means being called to minister in uncomfortable situations or circumstances. Thanks be to God for the grace He gives us so that we can continually say "yes" with the confidence that He will always be ministering with us and through us!
What brought him to or through the diaconate program: Being called by God to this ministry of service is truly humbling. It has been a very intense, four-year formal formation process, however acknowledging and initially "answering" the call (that) came many years ago. I began my academic work in 1993, so I have had a lot of time to continue discerning the call over these past years. There was a time, I think even prior to my application for formation, when I was really challenging God and His call. I recall one morning while I was driving to work and really giving God an earful about what He was thinking in calling me to this ministry that seemed very overwhelming. After I let off my steam, I immediately felt an incredible calm come over me, and internally heard a voice saying, "Be calm, Joseph, be calm. Let go of your worries and just let me lead you. Follow me. I won't overwhelm you, and I am always with you. You are doing this for me, and I love you. I am walking with you and you are my joy." With that I was drawn back into the loving arms of my Lord, who continues to cradle me and remind me that I can do nothing but through Him. And so I claim that every day, and every day I renew my "yes" to God who calls me to this humble ministry not of being a deacon, but of being deacon to His holy people."
 Zigment Kucharek of Redford Township
Age: 71
Place of birth: Elmira, Mich.
Family: Wife, Margaret (Witner) and two children, Carl and Susan
Secular occupation: Tool maker (retired) for Cadillac Division of General Motors Corp.
High school: St. Mary High School, Gaylord
College: Henry Ford Community College, Dearborn; and Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit, diaconal studies
Home parish: St. John Bosco, Redford Township
Pastor: Fr. Richard Osebold
Intern parish: St. Dunstan, Garden City
Pastor: Fr. Don Demmer
Intern supervisor: Deacon Michael Markulike
Field experience: More than 25 years service with St. Vincent de Paul Society; prison ministry; eucharistic minister.
Memberships: Knights of Columbus-Dooley Council 5492; Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 464; Polish Legion of American Veterans Post 75; Moose Lodge, Westland; St. Vincent de Paul Society
Hobbies: Reading, gardening, volunteer at St. Pat's Soup Kitchen, volunteer at St. Vincent de Paul Society
His vision of ministry: For me to be a servant of the Church and to serve the poor and needy.
What brought him to or through the diaconate program: Over 25 years working to serve the poor and needy through the St. Vincent de Paul Society; as a spiritual adviser to the SVdPS on the conference and council levels; as well as visiting the poor and needy in their homes; taking the Eucharist to the sick and homebound; spending five years in prison ministry. The diaconate program formed me into a better servant of God and the Church.
 John W. Parent of Rochester Hills
Age: 58
Place of birth: Toledo, Ohio
Family: Wife, Adelia (Snuggs), and a son, Andrew
Secular occupation: accountant with Thyssen Krupp Budd Company
High school: Catholic Central High School, Toledo
College: University of Detroit, bachelor of science degree in accounting; Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit, master of arts in pastoral studies
Home parish: St. Andrew, Rochester
Pastor: Fr. Thomas Slowinski
Intern parish: St. Mary, Royal Oak
Pastor: Fr. Andrew Tomasko
Intern supervisor: Deacon Timothy Renaud
Field experience: Jail ministry, hospice, Sign-Me-Up evangelization program, working with bereaved persons, visiting ill at home.
Memberships: Past president of Oakland County National Association of Accountants
Hobbies: Old movies, sports
His vision of ministry: My ministry vision is serving God's people in any way I can. I plan to be Christ's hands and feet
What brought him to or through the diaconate program: I had first thought about the diaconate program when I was in my twenties, but a Cursillo weekend in 1994 was the real kick start. My summer ministries, which were jail ministry, hospice, evangelization, working at a funeral home and visiting the sick, were very essential to my development personally and as preparation for the diaconate. My faith life is anchored in the Gospel of Matthew: The Beatitudes. I believe this is what I am being called to do and is my vision for my ministry. I love serving the people of God. I love serving God's people. My internship at St. Mary's in Royal Oak as well as my job delivering Meals on Wheels to Senior Centers leaves me very content.
 John J. Schulte of Clarkston
Age: 48
Place of birth: Mount Clemens
Family: Wife, Mary Lynn (Alfano), and two children, Jessica and Carl
Secular occupation: controls engineer with Auto/Con Corp., Clinton Township
High school: Warren Lincoln High School
College: Macomb Community College, Industrial Electrician certificate; Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit, diaconal studies
Home parish: St. Daniel, Clarkston
Pastor: Fr. Christopher Maus
Intern parish: St. Joseph, Lake Orion
Pastor: Fr. Michael Verschaeve
Intern supervisor: Deacon Steve Mitchell
Field experience: Prison ministry, peace and justice work, Covenant House, mission trips to Louisiana, MIssissippi and Honduras.
Memberships: Civil Air Patrol
Hobbies: Singing, hunting, fishing, sports
His vision of ministry: My vision for my ministry is to be able to take the gifts and talents that the Lord has given me and use them for His glory, praise and honor. The Lord has been good to me and my family and has taught me much about charity and giving back to those in need. I hope to be able to spread the good news of the Lord through music and through action, by being a witness to what Christ has done in my life. Wherever this journey takes me I hope to be a conduit of the Lord's words and compassion. I welcome the opportunity to be a servant of the Lord and to be deacon in all aspects of this ministry.
What brought him to or through the diaconate program: The most interesting and unique experience during formation was the opportunity to meet and get to know my fellow formation brothers and sisters (the deacon candidates' wives) and to call them my extended family. All through formation we are faced with questions and challenges and it has been very comforting to be able to share our difficult times as well as our good times together. We are family to one another and we will always have a connection with each other because of the formation experience. Thank you to all my fellow formation brothers and sisters.
 Paul D. Stevens of Detroit
Age: 50
Place of Birth: Detroit
Family: Wife, Mary Lou (Kustowski) and two children, Christen and Rosmary
Secular occupation: Supply attendant with AT&T
High school: Laura Osborn High School, Detroit
College: Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit, certificate/diploma in pastoral ministry, and diaconal studies
Home parish: Our Lady Help of Christians, Detroit
Pastor: Fr. Andrew Wesley
Intern parish: St. Genevieve, Livonia
Pastor: Fr. Howard Vogan
Intern supervisor: Deacon Kevin Breen
Field experience: Community service projects.
Memberships: Our Lady Help of Christians Ushers Club, St. Vincent de Paul Society
Hobbies: Reading, hiking, jigsaw puzzles
His vision of ministry: I see my ministry as a deacon as a ministry of service, to God and to the people of the Church. I am called to be a herald of the Gospel, at church, at home and in the workplace. (To be) a deacon 24 hours a day without exception.
What brought him to or through the diaconate program: My journey into the diaconate program began in 1987 with the visit of Pope John Paul II, to the Detroit area. I, like millions of people throughout our country and the metro-Detroit area, was fascinated by what Pope John Paul II had to say to us. I remember his words to the young people of this country, "Do not be afraid.' I felt as if he was talking to me. The pope's words inspired me to take classes at Sacred Heart Seminary, to begin the journey; and his words, "Do not be afraid" have helped me to continue the journey.
 Eric B. Sorenson of Clinton Township
Age: 52
Place of birth: St. Louis, Mo.
Family: Wife, Rita Maria (Linetzky), and three children, Steven, Karen and Nicole
Occupation: Pastoral associate, St. Clement Parish, Center Line
High school: Chagrin Falls, Ohio
College: Washington State University, Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering; University of Minnesota, Master of Science in electrical engineering; Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit, master of arts in pastoral studies
Home parish: St. Thecla, Clinton Township
Pastor: Fr. Gary Smetanka
Intern parish: St. Isaac Jogues, St. Clair Shores
Pastor: Fr. Tim Mazur
Intern supervisor: Deacon Jim Berch
Field Experience: Hospice volunteer for St. Joseph's Mercy of Macomb, spiritual care volunteer at Mount Clemens General Hospital, volunteer for the Sign-Me-Up evangelization project in Detroit, jail ministry at Macomb County Correctional Facility, volunteer for Capuchin Soup Kitchen's Summer Camp, peer counselor for Imago Dei Crisis Pregnancy Center in Detroit.
Memberships: Engineering Society of Detroit
Hobbies: Reading, theater, movies, home and lawn improvements
His vision of ministry: First, my ministry is to organize the opportunity, by helping and guiding people to learn to care for those in need, and then by providing the opportunity to share with those in need. Ultimately, it is all about helping people to come to know their faith, and subsequently, helping them to come to live their faith by "loving one another." Second is the necessity to make known to others not only the truth of Christ, but also His real and living and personal presence in each and everyone's life — not just a historical Jesus who for our sake died, rose from the dead, and ascended into heaven, but to be aware that "behold, I will be with you always, until the end of the age," Matthew 28:20.
What brought him to or through the diaconate program: I grew up in a family that actively practiced their faith as members of the United Church of Christ. So, God's presence was apart of my life in numerous ways. But when I met my wife, Rita, who was Catholic, I decided to go through the RCIA program prior to our marriage. Through this conversion I came to know Mother Mary, who subsequently led me to a deep and personal relationship with Jesus Christ. By 1995 I was very much feeling the call of the Lord to follow Him, but in what way? By 1997 the company that I worked for was sold and the new owners let me go, due to restructuring. So the old adage, "Be careful what you wish for," carries some truth. And so began my vow and vocation to serve the Lord the rest of my life. In January 1998 I was offered a position as a pastoral associate for St. Thecla Parish in Clinton Township. This seemed to be the will of God. But by the end of 2000 it was becoming obvious to me of God's message, through others, to consider the call to the diaconate. I was very frustrated and confused, as I had just been accepted into the (master of arts in pastoral studies) program at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. Yet, through the love of the Lord and sweet Mother Mary, I was helped to understand the will of God. I was so ashamed and humbled, for indeed I (had been) following my will and not God's will. I applied for the diaconate.
 Ronald Valade of Rochester Hills
Age: 63
Place of birth: Detroit
Family: Wife, Delia "Dee" (Mozarowsky), and two children, David and Jodie
Secular occupation: Design project engineer (retired) for General Motors Corp.
High School: Andover High School, Bloomfield Hills
College: Michigan State University, East Lansing, bachelor of science in electrical engineering; Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit, diaconal studies
Home parish: St. Mary of the Hills, Rochester Hills
Pastor: Fr. Stanley Ulman
Intern Parish: St. Andrew, Rochester
Pastor: Fr. Tom Slowinski
Intern Supervisor: Deacon Marc Gemellaro
Field Experience: Eucharistic minister, lector, religious education instructor, RCIA sponsor, and acolyte, including service at St. Mary of the Hills Parish, St. Andrew Parish, Mercy Bellbrook Nursing Home, Oakland County Jail, St. Joseph Hospital in Pontiac, Sunrise Nursing Home in Rochester and South Oakland Shelter at St. Mary.
Hobbies: Reading, golfing, bicycling, walking
His vision of ministry: Ministry is building the kingdom of God by living the Gospel of Christ and being Christ to others. I can minister best by trying to treat others as Christ would treat them and by devoutly worshiping God. Treating others as Christ would treat them means treating all people with dignity, love, and with charitable service. Deacons are to serve others, especially the less fortunate, in the pursuit of the kingdom of God. My ministry must also be centered on prayer. As a minister I must have a close relationship with Jesus, and be ready to help others build a close relationship with Jesus.
What brought him to or through the diaconate program: The experience that brought me to or through the diaconate program was not an event, but the cumulative interaction of many very devout individuals, including: my wife, Dee, the parishioners, priests, and deacon at St. Mary of the Hills, the members of Knights of Columbus Council 5452, the priests, nuns, and instructors at Sacred Heart Seminary, the diaconate formation team and students including their wives, and each member (and wife) in my diaconate formation class. It was their example and support that has sustained me throughout this journey. I am looking forward to continuing my faith journey guided by the Holy Spirit.
 James Wilder of St. Clair Shores
Age: 63
Place of birth: Rockford, Ill.
Family: Wife, Ruth Ann (Renier), and six children, Melanie, Karen, Christine and Jenifer
Secular occupation: Instructor, St. Clair Shores Public Schools
High School: Divine Word Seminary, East Troy, Wis.
College: Divine Word College Seminary, Epworth, Iowa; and Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit, diaconal studies
Home parish: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Grotto), Detroit
Pastor: Fr. Eduard Perrone
Intern parish: SS. Cyril & Methodius, Sterling Heights
Pastor: Fr. Benjamin Kosnac
Intern supervisor: Deacon James Gennette
Field Experience: Pastoral, cathechetical, liturgical—RCIA-extensive; acolyte-extensive and communion distribution; nursing home paraliturgical communion service, commital service, marriage ceremony and communion to sick.
Memberships:American Classical League, Men of the Sacred Hearts, Knights of Columbus (4 th degree)
Hobbies: Reading, writing, gardening and piano
His vision of ministry: To follow the will of God as an ordained minister "in persona Christi." This involves assisting bishop and priest as a deacon of cup, word and altar, and ministering certain sacraments and blessings, and also assisting them pastorally in sacramental preparation of the faithful with catechetical education and RCIA (the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults), and finally protecting lives of God's children in soul or body at all stages of life.
What brought him to or through the diaconate program: Witnessing the intense dedication of the pro-life ministry of ordained deacons and priests has been one of the great motivating factors to inspire me to become a deacon. Especially inspiring was the unstinting dedication of two deacons in the Imago Dei Problem Pregnancy Center of Detroit, as well as other hard-working volunteers who have helped save the lives of children every day of the year. Through prayer, counseling and hard work, the lives of many unborn infants have been saved by these deacons and volunteers. The reality of Christ's words: "Suffer the little children to come unto Me, for such is the kingdom of heaven," has been the prevailing philosophy for me of what a deacon should be — one who is not afraid or reluctant to carry the Cross with Christ, even if it means going into the highways and byways of reality to find God's lost children and bring them back to Him. For being a deacon is, above all, a willingness to serve, from the Greek word diakonia. Also very relevant to my understanding of the ordained ministry of deacon was my internship at SS. Cyril & Methodius Parish in Sterling Heights where the pastor and deacon there educated me, through a variety of pastoral experiences, to what diaconal ministry in a parish really means. Finally, to no one am I more grateful than my dear wife of 39 years, Ruth, who has helped form me "in season" and "out of season" to reach this day of ordination through her loving help, counsel, and encouragement.
|
