Three men promise to be examples of Christ at deacon ordination

Outside St. Joseph Cathedral, the Allentown Arts Festival was getting underway. Inside the cathedral, three men began their diaconal ministry. Bishop Michael W. Fisher called it a glorious day, as he ordained Michael Hahn, Michael Katilus and Anthony Vilardo as permanent deacons.

Within the Catholic Church, deacons serve as ministers of the Word, proclaiming the

Gospel, preaching and teaching. As ministers of the sacraments, deacons baptize, lead prayer, witness marriages, and conduct wake and funeral services. As ministers of charity, they are leaders in identifying the needs of others, then using the Church’s resources to meet those needs.

Mid-point during the ordination Mass, after the reading of the Gospel, the three candidates were asked to come forward. Deacon Timothy Chriswell, director of the permanent diaconate, stated to the bishop, “Most reverend father, Holy Mother Church asks you to ordain these men, our brothers, to the responsibility of the diaconate.”

After testifying that they are worthy. Bishop Fisher agreed. “Relying on the help of the Lord God, and our savior Jesus Christ, we chose these, our brothers, for the order of the diaconate,” he declared.

The nearly-full cathedral applauded.

“Every ordination to the diaconate in our diocese indicates a new beginning and a reason for hope. And truly we need that in these days,” Bishop Fisher said. “We thank God for this great day, this historic and joyful occasion for our church here in Western New York.”

The ordination day fell on the Feast of Immaculate Heart of Mary – “The Spotless Heart full of God, totally willing to listen to her God and obey Him,” as Bishop Fisher described it.

“Our Lady’s example gives us inspiration, faith and encouragement as disciples of Her Son, especially as we ordain these men this day as service for deacons. Aren’t these the same virtues we are all called to?” the bishop asked.

The candidates resolved to proclaim the faith, be examples of Christ, and pursue public works of charity. Then promised respect and obedience to the bishop and his successors. After the laying on of hands, each deacon was handed the Book of the Gospels and told, “Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach.”

Among the works of a deacon – assisting at Mass, administering the sacraments, community outreach, pastoral care, and leading prayer – the Gospels will be an indispensable resource.

“Nowhere do you find this more inherent in your ministry than in your call to prayer. Personal prayer certainly. Never let a day go by that you aren’t speaking to the Lord from your heart,” Bishop Fisher said.

“I’m overwhelmed with the graces of God,” said Maria Vilardo, wife of Anthony, following the ordination. “I feel so blessed that he was able to make it through this program.”

The two will attend a training program before beginning a joint ministry at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. “It’s a different ministry from what we’ve done. I’m looking forward to that challenge,” she said.

While her husband was studying for his master’s in Pastoral Studies, Lauri Hahn did the same. “It’s been a long road for him and it’s just such a blessing to have him reach the pinnacle,” she said. “The deacon community has just been outstanding.”

Joy Katilus has attended ordinations in the past, but admits it’s a little different when it’s your husband kneeling at the altar. “I feel very happy and kind of overwhelmed,” she said.

When Michael first mentioned the idea of being a deacon, Joy supported him 100 percent. “I knew this was exactly what God wanted. There was no doubt in my mind,” she said. “Even in the past five years of this journey, there has never been a doubt in my mind that this is what God wanted for him and for our family.”

All deacons serve at a Family of Parishes and in a ministry of charity.

Deacon Hahn will serve Family #13/Fields of Grace in Eastern Erie County. His ministry of charity will be serving on the Faith Formation Pillar of the family.

Deacon Katilus will serve Family #7 in West Seneca, Elma and Orchard Parish, and serve an ecumenical men’s group.

Deacon Vilardo will also serve Family #7 and offer spiritual care for those at Roswell Park.