'The Son Of God Is Shining Down Upon Us And Among Us'

            “It is my right as bishop to welcome new deacons into our diocese,” Most Rev. Charles C. Thompson, Bishop of Evansville, told nearly 700 people who packed St. Benedict Cathedral on Aug. 3. “Today, it is my privilege to welcome them!”

            Bishop Thompson ordained 11 new permanent deacons for the Diocese of Evansville, including William Conley; Timothy Cox; Dan DeCastra; José Garrido, the diocese’s first Latino deacon; John Huether; William Keller; Thomas Kirsch; Richard Leibundguth; Russell Maples; Joseph Siewers; and Cletus Yochum Jr.

            Bishop Thompson noted the day’s overcast skies and threat of rain. “Whether the sun is shining down on us or not,” he said, “the Son of God is shining down upon us and among us.”

            He also thanked those who attended from across the diocese, especially the large number of Latinos who attended in support of Deacon Garrido. “You are truly a sign of our unity,” he said, “and the oneness of our Church.”

            The bishop offered his own signs of unity and oneness by offering his formal greetings in English and Spanish. He also used Spanish for his interaction with Deacon Garrido during the formal ordination liturgy.

            “The purpose of this grand occasion,” Bishop Thompson said, “is not to promote these men to some type of special status for the sake of honor, privilege or reward for services already rendered. Rather, we are motivated by the needs and directions of the Church, universal and local.

            “We all do well to remember this fact today and beyond,” he added, “especially when it comes to pastoral assignments and expectations of roles.”

            More than 70 singers from across the diocese formed the choir for the ordination Mass. Singers came from every one of the new deacons’ home parishes, and also from the parishes they are being assigned to. They were led by Jeremy Korba, director of the diocesan choir and director of liturgical music for the cathedral.

            Following the ordination Mass, Bishop Thompson and the deacons gathered for formal and informal photos in front of St. Benedict, where the new deacons also greeted their family members and friends in attendance.

            The celebration then moved to St. Benedict’s Woodward Hospitality Center for a reception.