On Saturday, May 3, 2009, five men are ordained to the permanent diaconate, a ministry of service of the poor and preaching of the word.


The five candidates are called forth from the assembly.


Each candidate promises respect and obedience to the Archbishop and to his successors.


The entire assembly kneels in prayer as the candidates prostrate themselves before the altar, an ancient gesture of humility.


The laying on of hands is the heart of the ordination rite.  "I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God that you have from the imposition of my hands" (2 Timothy 1:6).


The Archbishop offers the prayer of ordination over the five candidates.


The wives of the candidates join them on the altar for the investiture with stole and dalmatic.


The Handing on the Book of the Gospels signifies the office of the deacon to proclaim the Gospel in liturgical celebrations and to preach the faith of the Church in word and in deed.