MEDIA RELEASE

Nine Deacons to be Ordained for the Archdiocese of Toronto

TORONTO (May 28, 2008) – On Saturday, May 31, 2008 a new wave of ordained men will join the ranks of the clergy for the Archdiocese of Toronto. They’re not priests, they are permanent deacons and will be ordained to spend considerable time in places like hospitals, prisons and seniors’ centres, serving those in need. You also find them at your local Catholic church, assisting the parish priest. This Saturday at St. Michael’s Cathedral in downtown Toronto, the Archdiocese of Toronto will ordain and welcome eight new permanent deacons to the community.

The primary role of a deacon is their ministry of service – each one has a pastoral appointment to serve an area where people cannot normally attend church. In addition to their service in the community, deacons have a strong presence at their local parish – from preaching and teaching to baptizing children, witnessing marriages and presiding at funerals.

In 1967, a few years after the Second Vatican Council (1962-65), the Roman Catholic Church reintroduced the permanent diaconate program. Permanent deacons are not studying to become priests – once ordained, they remain deacons for the rest of their lives. Currently, more than 100 deacons serve throughout the Archdiocese of Toronto – from Toronto, north to Midland, and from Oshawa, east to Mississauga.

The class of 2008 reflects a diverse group of men from our Archdiocese whose vocation will strengthen the entire community:

Stephen Allan Booth, Holy Spirit Parish, Barrie. Steve is currently ministering in the Critical Care and Emergency departments of the Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie. He plans to continue ministering there after ordination.

Kevin Grandy, St. Dominic’s Parish, Mississauga. Kevin plans on working with the poor in the community, with the hope of becoming an advocate for the marginalized.

George Jurenas, St. Joseph’s Parish, Streetsville. George plans on working in the field of hospital ministry and palliative care within his community.

David Langley, Holy Martyrs of Japan, Bradford. David plans on ministering at Southlake Regional Health Centre, Newmarket.

Doug McManaman, Our Lady of Grace, Aurora. Doug is currently working with patients in the mental health unit of Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket.

Bill Radigan. Holy Spirit Parish, Scarborough. Bill will likely work within the criminal justice system by helping offenders re-integrate after their incarceration and work with the families of offenders.

Jan Sirek. Guardian Angels Parish, Orillia . Jan is ministering at Soldier's Memorial Hospital, Orillia.

Anthony Teresi. St. Lawrence Martyr, Scarborough. Anthony is a hospital chaplain at the Rouge Valley Centenary Hospital.

Barry Wood. Merciful Redeemer, Mississauga . Barry is very excited at the prospects of bringing a Catholic presence to the Maplehurst Correctional Complex and, for his practicum, worked with men awaiting trial.

Those interested in the diaconate program can visit www.vocationstoronto.ca or call the Archdiocese at: 416-934-0606 for more information. The Archdiocese of Toronto is the spiritual home to 1.6 million Catholics, celebrating Mass at 224 parishes in more than 30 languages each week.

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Media Contact: Kristen Crawford, Communications Assistant
Phone: 416-934-3400, ext. 563. Cell: 647-881-3917. E-mail: kcrawford@archtoronto.org
Click here for a backgrounder on the diaconate program.