Lancaster native celebrates diaconal ordination in home parish

More than 400 of C.J. Wild’s extended family and friends from Our Lady of Pompeii Parish packed into the Lancaster church for their native son’s diaconal ordination. The May 17 event saw the beginning of Deacon Wild’s clerical ministry.

Bishop Michael W. Fisher, who presided over the service, called it a “happy, joyful day,” as he welcomed Deacon Wild’s family and everyone who has been a part of his vocational journey. Bishop Richard J. Malone, retired bishop of Buffalo, and Bishop Joseph Coffey, auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Military Services USA, were also present.

During the Rite of Ordination, Deacon Wild was called forth. Father David Baker, director of Vocations for the Diocese of Buffalo, asked that he be ordained to the diaconate and testified that he has been found worthy. Bishop Fisher then chose him for the order of the diaconate, garnering a round of applause.

Addressing Deacon Wild personally, the bishop said, “I know there have been many hours of prayer, study and preparation that have taken place for this moment. It is particularly important for you to remember though that it is the Lord who has called you. There’s sort of a double call. We feel that call in our hearts and that matches to the call of the people of God, and you’re discerning the voice of the Lord through your prayer and your time in silence with the Lord. The Lord has called you to this wonderful vocation, and now you are responding with your whole heart.”

Although plans call for Deacon Wild, 27, to be ordained to the priesthood next year, he gains certain faculties and expectations as a deacon is called to be at service to others. A deacon can administer the sacrament of baptism, proclaim the Gospel at Mass, conduct non-eucharistic liturgical services according to approved liturgical books, administer the Nuptial Blessing outside of Mass, and officiate at funeral and burial services according to approved liturgical rites at the direction of the pastor.

“The diaconal ministry is not so much a copying of the life of Jesus as a continuation. C.J. will do that and not just through his preaching and teaching, but through the example of his life,” Bishop Fisher said.

With his hands in the bishop’s, Deacon Wild resolved to hold the mystery of faith, maintain and deepen a spirit of prayer, and shape his way of life according to the example of Christ.

After being handed the Book of Gospels, he is told to “Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach.”

Our Lady of Pompeii served as the perfect spot for Deacon Wild’s ordination. Not only did he and his sister grow up there, their parents did too.

“I’ve been here since kindergarten,” said Brian Wild, C.J.’s father. “It’s been a lot of joy. My wife, Kimberly, and I got married here and stayed parishioners and raised our children here. It’s very special to have the opportunity to be doing this here at Our Lady of Pompeii.”

“This Pompeii Lancaster community is all about family. Whether you’re blood related or not, this whole place is family,” added Kimberly Wild. “Looking through the Communion line, it was overwhelming, the love.”

Both were excited for their son. Neither was surprised he answered his vocational call, as he has lived a life of service to others dating back to second grade when, during a lockdown drill, C.J. scooped up a student with autism to keep him calm. He went on to serve as a volunteer firefighter, EMT and Navy reservist.

“Caring for other people and going the extra mile. That’s just him,” said his mother.

Beginning May 21, Deacon Wild will serve at ONE Catholic Family in Orleans and Niagara counties.

“We’re totally elated for the opportunity to have him come to our family of parishes,” said ONE pastor, Father Mark Noonan. “C.J. is an incredibly gifted young man. He has an ability to be very open and welcoming to people. He’s very intelligent. He’s an absolute gentleman; treats people respectfully.”