By Maureen Smith
JACKSON – The Diocese of Jackson celebrates eight ordinations this year, giving the faithful several opportunities to join in a special chapter in the life of the church.
Deacons Jason Johnston and Joseph Le will be ordained to the priesthood on Saturday, May 14, at 10 a.m. in the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle. The ordination is open to all, but seating is limited so plan to arrive early. There will be reserved seating for family members. A reception will follow in the parish center.
Deacon Johnston, a Vicksburg native, will celebrate his first Mass in his home parish of St. Paul on Sunday, May 15, at 10:30 a.m.
Deacon Le will celebrate his first Mass in his adopted home parish of Greenville St. Joseph on Sunday, May 15, at 10:30 a.m. Both of the first Masses are also open to the public.
On Saturday, June 4, at 10 a.m. in the cathedral six men will be ordained to the permanent diaconate. All are welcome to the celebration.
Those in training are: Jeff Artigues from Starkville St. Joseph, Rick Caldwell from Vicksburg St. Mary, Denzil Lobo from Madison St. Francis of Assisi, John McGregor, from Pearl St. Jude, John McGinley from Starkville St. Joseph and Ted Schreck from Southaven Sacred Heart.
The men have spent five years preparing for their ordination, taking classes, making retreats and developing as a community. Their wives have joined them on this journey since they will play an important role in this ministry.
The Jackson diocese was one of the first in the nation to ordain permanent deacons after a Vatican II call for a revival of the ministry, but this is the first class of deacons to complete the training in many years.
Please keep all the candidates in your prayers as they prepare for their special day.