Something about Our New Deacon

Dear Parishioners,

Recently I was informed by Bishop Sullivan that we will have another permanent deacon assigned to our parish, beginning October 1, 2015.  Deacon Steven Theis and his wife Mary will be a wonderful addition to our St. Joseph family and I feel blessed now to have two deacons on our staff.

I asked Deacon Steve to write something for this bulletin to that I may introduce him and his family to our parish:

Mary and I are married 20 years.  We have 2 boys, Christopher (17) and Nicholas (16).  They attend St. Augustine Prep where Chris is a Senior and Nick is a Junior.

I was ordained on May 21, 2011 by Bishop Galante and assigned to the Catholic Community of the Holy Spirit in Mullica Hill, NJ.  In 2012, I took a job in Kansas City, MO and we moved in June.  I was assigned to the largest Parish in the Kansas City-St Joseph Diocese.  St. Therese located in Parkville, MO is a vibrant and exciting Parish with just over 3,400 families.  We returned to Ocean City in June of this year and I work for Public Service Electric & Gas as a health and safety professional specializing in occupational psychology.

I am a two time cancer survivor.  My first battle was Stage IV head and neck cancer and my second diagnosis was less severe as Stage II thyroid cancer.  I understand all too well what it means to be bloodied and beaten at the foot of the Cross, scared and praying for mercy.  Since that time of dealing with the treatments and recovery of cancer, I have been actively involved with many people affected by this disease. I am extremely humbled to walk with those on their journey fighting this horrible disease while they try to save their life.

I look forward to getting acquainted.  Please know that you are in my prayers. Please keep my family and me in yours. God Bless.

Peace,

Deacon Steve

Needless to say, Deacon Steve desires to spend some of the time of his deaconate ministry helping at the local hospital.  He will also be able to preach and assist at Mass (primarily during our weekend Masses), baptize, visit the sick, and perform any of the other tasks that a deacon is able to do within a parish.  I know that you will welcome him as you have already welcomed Deacon Bob Oliver and his wife Shirley.

As the Church continues to face the varied challenges that lie ahead of us, I am glad to have the assistance of another permanent deacon to assist at our parish.  My sincere thanks go to Bishop Sullivan for giving me this opportunity to work with both Deacon Steve and Deacon Bob.

Please pray for all of us that we may continue to bring Christ to all the people that we serve.

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor

Welcoming a New Permanent Deacon (and His Wife)

Dear Parishioners,

Last week I received a phone call, followed by a letter, notifying me that Bishop Sullivan has assigned Deacon Robert Oliver to our parish as a permanent deacon.  Deacon Oliver was ordained on May 4, 2013.  He has been married to his wife Shirley for 40 years.  For the past 39 years the couple and their eight children were parishioners of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Mays Landing.

The oldest of six children, Deacon Bob grew up in Cologne, NJ.  His wife Shirley is the oldest of five children and grew up on a dairy farm in Southern Lancaster County, PA.  Deacon Bob worked for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as an electronics engineer and his wife teaches life skills (Home Ec.) in Galloway Township.  They are awaiting the arrival of their fifteenth grandchild.

Both Deacon Bob and Shirley served on St. Vincent’s evangelization ministry and as catechists.  Deacon Bob also served as Coordinator of Religious Education for St. Vincent’s from June 2008 to June 2010.  Deacon Bob and Shirley serve as mentors for engaged couples who elect to use the Preparing to Live in Love program offered by the diocese.  Shirley is a certified catechist, as well as a trained lector and extraordinary minister of the Holy Communion.

In addition to his parish ministry, Deacon Bob will serve with the Diocesan Evangelization Ministry.

The obvious question at this point is what can a permanent deacon do within our parish?

The Catechism of the Catholic Church gives us some insight:

Among other tasks, it is the task of deacons to assist the bishop and priests in the celebration of the divine mysteries, above all the Eucharist, in the distribution of Holy Communion, in assisting at and blessing marriages, in the proclamation of the Gospel and preaching, in presiding over funerals, and in dedicating themselves to the various ministries of charity. (CCC 1570)

A deacon is ordained to be of service to the parish.  He can preach during Mass.  He can baptize.  A deacon can help prepare couples for marriage and assist / witness at marriage ceremonies.  He can be the celebrant of liturgical and para-liturgical services such as Christian burials and wake services, benediction and Stations of the Cross.  He can bring Holy Communion to the sick and dying.  He can teach in religious education classes and with the R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)  A deacon can assist with these and various other parish functions as well as serving in some diocesan capacity for the bishop.

We welcome Deacon Bob and his wife Shirley to our parish.  I am sure that they will find a home here just as I have, and will grow in love of you, our parishioners—the people that we are called to serve.

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor