Bishop Nelson Perez will ordain three transitional deacons to the priesthood during a Mass at 10 a.m. May 19 at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in downtown Cleveland. The Mass will be streamed live on the diocesan website, dioceseofcleveland.org. Watch for the link to the live stream on May 19.
Those to be ordained are:
Deacon Matthew Michael Cortnik from St. John Vianney Parish in Mentor
Deacon Michael John Feldtz from St. Patrick Parish (Bridge), Cleveland
Deacon Richard Joseph Samide from St. Mary Parish in Hudson
They have been serving as transitional deacons in diocesan parishes since their ordination as deacons last fall.
Traditionally, newly ordained priests are assigned as parochial vicars in parishes throughout the diocese.
Last year, eight men were ordained as priests.
Nine men were ordained in April as transitional deacons are progressing in their formation with the anticipation of ordination to the priesthood in May 2019.
Father Michael McCandless, director of the diocesan Vocation Office, said the top factor with vocations is an element of trust, ?trust of your pastor, trust of the Holy Spirit and trust of the seminary.? He said more men who are serious about their call and are more mature have been entering the seminary in recent years. The seminary provides them with personal formation, prayer and discernment, he said. There are nearly 80 men studying at Borromeo and Saint Mary seminaries, both of which are located at the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe.
For more information on vocations, including the priesthood, call 440-943-7660 or visit clepriesthood.org.
