By Geoffrey Stumpo
For Proclaim!
As recalled in chapter 6 of the book of Acts of the Apostles, Deacons – or in the original Greek “diakonos,” meaning service – date back to the earliest days of the Church.
Acts 6:1-4 1 At that time, as the number of disciples continued to grow, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.
2 So the Twelve called together the community of the disciples and said, “It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at table.
3 Brothers, select from among you seven reputable men, filled with the Spirit and wisdom, whom we shall appoint to this task,
4 whereas we shall devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
The Apostles asked the disciples 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 to the Diaconate serve the Liturgy by proclaiming the Gospel, preaching homilies, and assisting at the Altar. They also serve in hospital ministry, visits to the homebound, and prison ministry as well as other various ministries of the Church.
Many deacons are married and have families and secular jobs. Because they are also clergy, they are called to balance their secular life with their life as deacons.
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 to receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders, Bishop Mark will ordain them on June 6, 2026, 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 be able to learn in a structured academic environment
- Recognized by people of his Parish as a prayerful servant and compassionate leader
- Have the support of both his wife and his Pastor. Wives walk through the process along with their husbands and support them in their ministry.
The formation process takes five years and focuses on human, intellectual, spiritual, and pastoral academic, human, pastoral, and spiritual formation. Permanent Deacons are typically married and must be married before ordination.
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. swear a solemn vow of obedience. During the ordination liturgy, the deacon candidates will make three promises: those of celibacy, prayer, and obedience. These are lifelong commitments to a way of life.
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.]
