Christ to others: Twenty candidates ordained as permanent deacons

On Nov. 7, 20 men of God were ordained as permanent deacons within the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. The ordination Mass was celebrated at the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine and marked the culmination of a rigorous five-year formation journey. 

Deacon Norm Mejstrik, director of the permanent diaconate for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, noted this year’s deacon formation class’s rapid progress since beginning their formation more than four years ago. He said the candidate couples possess a deep spirituality that was strengthened during their time together as a cohort.

“The men developed excellent preaching skills based on their theological studies and appeal to the Holy Spirit,” he said. 

Deacon Mejstrik emphasizes the heart of the permanent diaconate and its role in the Church today is to be “Christ to others,” especially to those on the margins and the most in need.

“The word ‘deacon’ means ‘servant,’” said Mejstrik. “Deacons are ministers of liturgy, word and charity. Of those three, charity should be the main focus of the servant.”

“My prayer is that the new deacons and their wives will be strong models of discipleship in their parishes and communities, and through their example and work, lead many people to God,” he said. 

Deacon Jose Martinez and his wife, Maria, were among those who recently answered their call into the diaconate.
 
“I first sensed God’s calling to the diaconate, was when I lived a Cursillo retreat in 2016, I had this burning love to serve God. The call unfolded overtime when I kept hearing God’s voice saying don’t give up, and things started to go as God planned,” said Deacon Martinez. 

Martinez said he plans to leave it in God’s hands to guide him where he is needed most, but said he looks forward to ministering to matrimonies. 

“In today’s world, couples need lots of help, especially young couples, to help keep Jesus Christ at the center of their marriage. Because it’s a three-person relationship: husband, Jesus and wife.” 

Alongside many of the newly ordained deacons were their wives, whose role is one of companionship and support. 

Maria Martinez said their discernment began in a deep encounter with Christ through a retreat from the Cursillo movement, where they found a very important element in their lives: forgiveness. Martinez said knowing that Christ forgives us and offers a new life in him was where their desire to serve him was born. 

“We will participate as a family in everything that we can. I will keep him in my prayers that he may be an instrument in the hands of God and always seek to give his best in service.”

Five years ago, Deacon Tom March walked into their home and told his wife, Ferrella, his spiritual director wanted him to begin discerning a call to the diaconate. Although hesitant at first, his wife urged him to immediately begin praying together. 

“The time required for formation and the changes in our lives affected not only us but also our ability to be completely available to our adult children. As formation unfolded, we gained clarity about what it meant to be a deacon couple and what it was that God was calling us to,” said March. 

Deacon March hopes he can share Christ’s love and be of service to the community. 

“I believe that is best accomplished by serving my priest and conforming to his vision for our parish,” said March. 
 
Ferrella March said formation has been a period of trials and blessings, noting at the onset of their formation process, their daughter lost her husband one year after their marriage and six months after the birth of their son. This tragedy was marked by numerous struggles along the way, but said they were able to form a reciprocal relationship of love and support with the other couple and formation team. 

“One moment that sticks with me is during our last retreat when walking over to the cemetery to pray a rosary. Along the way, we sang "Somos los Peregrinos." It was explained to me that we are pilgrims on a journey along-side with each other,” she said.

March stressed that “along-side" is key to this journey with her husband. 

“I am not sure what the future holds or what it will look like. I know that God will guide us. Tom and I are on a journey sharing our faith along the way,” she said.

For more information on the permanent diaconate program visit archokc.org/permanent-diaconate.

Eliana Tedrow is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.
Twenty men were ordained to the permanent diaconate by Archbishop Coakley on Nov. 7 at the Bl. Stanley Rother Shrine in Oklahoma City. The evening before, Archbishop Coakley presided over a Holy Hour with the deacon candidates in the St. Francis de Sales Chapel at the Catholic Pastoral Center. Photos Chris Porter/Sooner Catholic.