Four deacons were ordained by Bishop Patrick Neary June 8 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in St. Cloud. At ordination, a deacon becomes a member of the clergy who makes a promise of obedience to the bishop and commits his life in service to the Church. Deacons can proclaim the Gospel, preach and teach, and administer the sacraments of baptism and marriage. Robert Craven, a member of St. Augustine Parish in St. Cloud and Kelly Marthaler, a member of St. Alexius Parish in West Union were ordained permanent deacons. Joseph VanDenheuvel and Nathaniel Daubner were ordained transitional deacons. All four men were ordained during the same rite, but transitional deacons make a promise that includes a vow of celibacy. This is another step toward priesthood ordination which usually occurs within one year of the diaconate ordination.
