A Holy Occasion: Bishop Ordains Two St. Mary Seminarians as Deacons

Two seminarians from St. Mary Mokena were ordained deacons by Bishop Ronald Hicks on Friday, April 23, 2021 during a diocesan Mass of Ordination at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus in Joliet.

Deacons Brian Geary and Gregory Alberts are now considered transitional deacons as they anticipate being ordained priests next year. Also ordained at the Mass was Deacon Thomas Logue from St. Isaac Jogues Church in Hinsdale.

“I am so proud of Deacon Brian and Deacon Gregory and honored to be their home parish pastor!” exclaims Father Dindo Billote, pastor of St. Mary Mokena. “I had the privilege of walking with these men as they were discerning their vocations to the priesthood when I first became pastor…they are very awesome men from wonderful families that the Lord Jesus has chosen to become his deacons and eventual priests!”

Father Dindo assisted in the ceremony by vesting Deacon Brian with the deacon stole and dalmatic. Deacon Brian later served as the Deacon of the Eucharist at the Mass.

During the Mass of Ordination, the men made several promises, including to preach the Gospel, pray the Liturgy of the Hours, obey the bishop, and intend to commit to lifelong celibacy. Bishop Hicks then laid his hands on their heads before praying the Prayer of Ordination.

The Sunday following the ordination, both Deacon Brian and Deacon Gregory served and gave homilies at their respective Masses of Thanksgiving at St. Mary. Supporting them were family, friends, fellow seminarians, and visiting clergy. Both men now begin their final year of preparation for priestly ordination.

Deacon Brian will be interning at St. John the Baptist Church in Winfield, while Deacon Gregory goes to St. Mary Immaculate Church in Plainfield. May God bless them both in their final year of study.

Watch the recording of the Ordination Mass Below!

Cover photo courtesy of Seminarian Joseph Solomon