Bishop Morlino incenses the altar at the beginning of Mass, accompanied by transitional Deacon Garrett Kau
On Sunday we had the great joy of the Ordination to the Diaconate of Steve Petrica. Steve is a convert who had been a priest of the Episcopalian Church, of an “Anglo-Catholic” sort. As Bishop Morlino put it at the beginning Mass, the search for “a certain sacramental fullness” led Steve at last into the Catholic Church. This was no easy road.
Steve promises obedience to Bishop Morlino and his successors.
So the Twelve called together the community of the disciples and said, “It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at table. Brothers, select from among you seven reputable men, filled with the Spirit and wisdom, whom we shall appoint to this task, whereas we shall devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” The proposal was acceptable to the whole community, so they chose Stephen, a man filled with faith and the holy Spirit, also Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicholas of Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles who prayed and laid hands on them. (Acts 6:2-6)
Having been vested in a wonderful green dalmatic by fellow transitional deacon Vince Brewer, Deacon Steve receives the Book of the Gospels from Bishop Morlino
Steve serving as Deacon as Bishop Morlino incenses the altar prior to the Liturgy of the Eucharist. I was deeply honored that Steve asked me to be one of the gift bearers.
🙂
The three transitional deacons will be ordained to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ during Easter. We are so blessed.