Nine men were ordained permanent deacons, May 8, to serve in parishes and ministries of the Diocese of San Jose. The ordination ceremony was presided by San Jose Bishop Patrick J. McGrath and took place at St. Frances Cabrini Church, San Jose.
The men who were ordained are Phil Flowers, Raul Mendoza, Daniel Hernandez, Melchor Megat, John Hien Vu, The Ke Hoang, Tho Dominic Le, Anthony Diem Pham and Wilfred Agbayani. (Their biographies were published in the March 16 edition of The Valley Catholic.)
Origins of the diaconate are found in the New Testament. Deacons serve in liturgical roles as well as in special service to the poor and marginalized as well as continuing to work in their professional careers and supporting their families.
Upon the recommendation of their pastor, deacon candidates may make application to the formation program. The process also involves the candidate’s wife and children still living at home.
The Deacon Formation Board recommends candidates to the bishop. The formation process has spiritual, academic, field education, group process and skills building elements as well as retreats, spiritual direction and prayer as essential elements.
In his homily, Bishop McGrath called attention to the readings of the day.
He said, “From the Acts of the Apostles we have heard of the spectacular growth of the young Church, a growth that challenged the ability of the Twelve to minister properly to the needs of the first believers.
“So the Holy Spirit prompted them to select seven reputable men who would become servants of the marginalized: widows, orphans and, eventually, all who lived at the fringes of society.
“To each was given the name ‘diakonos’ – servant. They were, in a way, the ‘doers’ of ministry, so that the Apostles could devote themselves to prayer.
“Although Christ was able to do it all – to teach, preach, heal and pray – his followers rightfully enlisted the aid of what would soon become an order set aside for service of the rapidly growing Church,” Bishop McGrath said.
The Didascalia Apostolorum of the Third Century described the deacon as “the bishop’s ear, mouth, heart and soul,” so intimately connected were they to the episcopal order, he explained.
“With the happy restoration of the Diaconate as a stable order in the Western Church, the Second Vatican Council’s Dogmatic Constitution on the Church described the service of deacons as one of the liturgy, of the

Word and of charity.
“So today, our brothers, with the support of their wives and families, come to this Rite of Ordination. They have heard the call of the Lord throughout their lives, the call that has its origins in the universal vocation of the baptized – to be holy and, like Christ himself, to serve and not be served.
“They have lived this vocation for many years – as single and married men, as husbands, sons, brothers and fathers, even grandfathers,” Bishop McGrath said. “In recent years, as if in response to the call of the Church that has echoed in their lives since the Council, they pursued candidacy for Holy Orders, for the Order of Deacon.”
The bishop said to the deacons, “You will be, first and foremost, bearers of the Word of God, heralds of the Gospel of Christ. You will be challenged to ‘believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach.’
“You will also be ministers of the sacraments, Christ working through your words and actions. Remember that it is the work of Christ and his Church that you do.”
Bishop McGrath reflected on the Church today, telling the new deacons, “My brothers, your ordination comes at a time in our history when many question the good that the Church has done because of the evil that some priests and others have wrought at the expense of the young and the vulnerable.
“The only antidote to those terrible acts is lives of dedication, fidelity and care for all, with particular attention to those most in need. As we move ahead, having expressed sorrow for the past deeds done by others, we must redouble our efforts at protecting and caring for all of God’s children.”
The bishop said, “You will not be alone in your ministry. We all stand upon the shoulders of those who have come before us… those who will be both example and coworker to you. In your parishes, the priests, deacons, lay ecclesial ministers and many others will work with you to lighten the load you bear. Seek their counsel and their wisdom.”
Bishop McGrath thanked the wives of the new deacons “for supporting your husbands in these past years of their – and your – preparation. I thank you, too, for the ways you will be true servants, also, to God’s people.”