“It’s been a journey … Sometimes, the road was long and winding,” Bishop Edward Malesic told the four men he ordained as permanent deacons during a Mass on May 2 in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. The new deacons completed five years of education and formation prior to ordination.
The newly ordained are:
- Zakary Ian Jester, director of youth ministry and confirmation at St. Raphael Parish, Bay Village, is married to Sarah. They two sons and are members of St. Raphael Parish, where he will minister.
- Jerald Matthew Joyce, director of business development at Amsive, is married to Mel. They have two sons and a daughter and are members of St. Anselm Parish in Chesterland, where he will minister.
- William Michael Prebel, senior investment advisor with PNC Bank, is married to Millie. They are members of SS. Cosmas and Damian Parish in Twinsburg, where he will minister. They have a blended family of six adult children: four daughters and two sons.
- Jon-Gerard Woost, chief operating officer of Automation Plastics, is married to Carrie. They have four adult children: three sons and a daughter and are members of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Wadsworth. He is assigned to St. Bernard and St. Mary parishes in Akron.
(See photo gallery above.)
During the homily, Bishop Malesic talked about St. Stephen, a martyr and one of the Church’s first deacons, whose likeness is on the cathedral ambo. “Stephen stands as an example to preach God’s word … He is looking out on you, the newest deacons.”
He explained that the apostles needed more help to do the Church’s work, so they chose seven men “because they were known to be good men” to assist them.
The bishop said he had received signed letters from each of the new deacons’ wives indicating they “are willing to share you with God’s people.” However, he cautioned them to remember that service begins at home.
As deacons, the newly ordained will do three things.
“You will be ordained men of charity,” the bishop said. “The rest of us are ministers of charity.” They are to minister to the needs of the people and parishes in the diocese, “but look beyond and see the needs in the world,” he added.
“You are about to become sacraments of Jesus the Servant, ordained men of the Word. Be like Stephen. Speak the truth … Stay rooted in Christ,” Bishop Malesic said,
“You are about to become ordained ministers of the liturgy … Deacons are bound to serve at the altar,” the bishop said, adding we’re evangelists and all of us must do the work of God. “Let’s work together in the Lord’s vineyard … The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few.”
Only the living God can provide perfect happiness, the bishop said.
“You can remove your stole and dalmatic (the deacon’s vestment) after Mass, but you can never remove the sacrament after you’ve been ordained,” he added.