Three take next step towards the priesthood

(Photo by James Ramos/Herald)

PHOTOS: A transitional diaconate ordination

HOUSTON —  As the Paschal candle flame flickered nearby, Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro placed his hands on the heads of three men, bringing three men to the next step in their journey to the priesthood.

At the Mass of Ordination of Transitional Deacons, held May 14 at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Deacons Matthew Krusleski, Zachary Muldrow and J Serrato were ordained to the Sacred Order of the Diaconate through the imposition of hands and the invocation of the Holy Spirit by Bishop Dell’Oro. The tradition of laying of the hands has been handed down from the Apostles so that, through sacramental grace, they may effectively fulfill their ministry.

“We come together with a great sense of joy and humility as we are called to contemplate the mighty deeds of God,” said Bishop Dell’Oro. Today God calls us “to see how three young men have been chosen to be the servants within the Church, and from the Church to our people, sisters and brothers.”

At the conclusion of the Mass, Bishop Dell’Oro reminded to never forget their true love for the Liturgy like a spouse, just as a husband loves his wife. At the end of the Mass, the three newly ordained deacons joined Bishop Dell’Oro in kissing the altar for the first time, a visible act of love and reverence for the Liturgy.

Their ordination as transitional deacons is one of their final steps before being ordained to the priesthood.