Five years of preparation -- a year of aspirancy and four years of education and formation – culminated in the ordination of three men as permanent deacons. They will be engaged in a ministry of service in the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland.
The newly ordained deacons are Donald Brandt from St. John Neumann Parish in Strongsville; Francisco Miranda from St. Michael Parish in Cleveland; and John Nelson from St. Mary Parish in Mentor.
Bishop Martin Amos, retired bishop of Davenport, Iowa, celebrated the Aug. 29 ordination Mass in the cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in downtown Cleveland. Because of restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic, the celebration was by invitation only but the Mass was livestreamed on the diocesan website.
In the homily, Bishop Amos talked about the origins of the diaconate in the early days of the Church. He said the first seven deacons were men of character and fine spirit chosen to help the apostles minister to the growing needs in the Church so the apostles could focus more on prayer and spreading the Good News. From the beginning, the diaconate centered on a ministry of service.
“I am about to perform the same ancient ritual,” the bishop told the ordinandi, noting that he would lay his hands on each of them as was done to the first deacons. He said they were men of fine character, as were the original deacons.
“This (ordination) was only possible because of the love and support of your spouses,” he said. “They have walked with you through your year of apirancy and four years of formation and they will continue to walk with you.”
Bishop Amos also credited others who helped the newly ordained during their preparation and formation including spiritual advisors, teachers, mentors and fellow deacons.
He also reminded them that they are in a ministry of service: service of the Gospel, service of liturgy and service of charity, “the hallmark of a deacon,” he said.
“Wherever you are called – Donald, Francisco and John – you are called to service,” he said, adding that the three services of a deacon flow together. “And that ministry goes beyond the walls of a parish.”
He also told the three men that their experience in married life gives them an insight some don’t have and this can enhance their ministry.
The rite of ordination included election of the candidates, promise of the elect, laying on of hands, prayer of ordination, investiture with stole and dalmatic, handing on of the book of Gospels and the kiss of peace, which was modified because of the health crisis. After their ordination, the three new deacons assisted during the rest of the liturgy.
After Mass, the newly ordained posed for photos with the bishop, diocesan hierarchy and their wives before beginning their new ministry.
Deacon Brandt will serve at St. Thomas More Parish in Brooklyn. He and his wife, Bethany, have three children. They live in Strongsville and are members of St. John Neumann Parish, Strongsville. Deacon Miranda will serve at St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Cleveland. He and his wife, Waleska, have two children and live in Cleveland. They are members of St. Michael the Archangel Parish. Deacon Nelson will serve at Immaculate Conception Parish in Willoughby. He and his wife, Raquel, live in Perry and have three children. They are members of St. Mary Parish in Mentor.
For more information on the permanent diaconate, contact Deacon Dave Kushner, program director, at dkushner@dioceseofcleveland.org or call 440-943-7652.