By Geoffrey Stumpo
For Proclaim!
As recalled in chapter 6 of the Acts of the Apostles, Deacons – or in the original Greek “diakonos,” meaning “minster” or “serve” – date back to the earliest days of the Church.
Shortly after the Resurrection, the Apostles found themselves committed to their ministries of the Word and prayer but did not want to neglect the needs of their flock – particularly widows – as the Church continued to expand and diversify.
The Apostles asked the Church to choose seven reputable men filled with the Spirit and wisdom to be appointed to this task. Saint Stephen and his companions were chosen, and the Apostles, laying hands on these seven men, ordained them as the first Deacons of the Church.
Nearly 2,000 years later, Deacons remain as members of the clergy ordained to the ministry of service. The men called the Diaconate serve the Liturgy by reading the Gospel, preaching homilies, and serving at the Altar. They also serve in their daily lives by bringing the Good News of the Gospel into the world through their family life, in their careers, and through their involvement in the community.
On Saturday, September 27, John Fontana of Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Johnstown, Matt Marafino of All Saints Parish in Boswell, and Wally Zapotoczny of Saint Joseph Parish in Bellwood, who are all seeking ordination to the Permanent Diaconate in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, were installed to the Order of Acolyte by Bishop Mark during Mass at Saint John Gualbert Cathedral in Johnstown.
The Order of Acolyte is an important milestone in their formation and brings them closer to being ordained permanent deacons. Through the ministry of Acolyte, these men are greater entrusted to serve the Priest and Deacon at the Altar of our Lord at Holy Mass, and they are also called to greater witness of their Christian faith in the world through their daily lives.
If the Lord continues to call John, Matt, and Wally forward to be ordained as permanent deacons, their expected ordination will be in June of 2026 by Bishop Mark at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona.
Acceptance into the Permanent Diaconate program requires a man to be:
· A Roman Catholic of sound moral character
· Mature in his faith and prayer life
· Between 32 and 60 years of age
· In good physical and mental health
· Have a clear and healthy self-image
· be active in service and/or liturgical ministry in his Parish
· Have at least a high school diploma (or equivalent) and able to learn in a structed academic environment
· Recognized by people of his Parish as a prayerful servant and compassionate leader
· Have the support of his Pastor
The formation process takes five years and focuses on academic, human, pastoral, and spiritual formation. Permanent Deacons are typically married and must be married before ordination.
Wives play a pivotal role throughout the process and must consent for her husband to begin the formation process and be ordained. Wives walk through the process along with their husbands and support them in their ministry.
Just as in the early Church, permanent deacons commit themselves and their families to a life of prayer and service to the Church under their Diocesan Bishop and his successors, to whom they swear a solemn vow of obedience.
To learn more, contact the Office of the Permanent Deaconate of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown by calling (814) 361-2000, emailing Jessica Gramling at jgramling@dioceseaj.org, or emailing the Director of the Permanent Diaconate, Deacon Michael Russo, at mrusso@dioceseaj.org.
Please continue to pray for vocations to the priesthood and the permanent diaconate in our diocese, and please especially pray for John, Matt, and Wally and their wives as they continue their formation.
[Photo (left to right): Candidates Wally Zapotczny and John Fontana; Bishop Mark; candidate Matt Marafino; and Deacon Michael Russo, Director of the Permanent Diaconate.]
