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Eight Central New York Men to be Ordained Permanent Deacons for the Diocese of Syracuse
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May 10, 2024The Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse will hold a special ordination Mass on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 10:00 am at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Syracuse, New York. Eight men will be ordained Permanent Deacons by Most Reverend Douglas J. Lucia, Bishop of Syracuse. The men to be ordained are:
- Joseph Assaf: Religion teacher at Christian Brothers Academy (CBA) in Syracuse
- Jeffrey Dixe: Special Education teacher with the West Genesee School District
- Bernard Feldman: Retired from Onondaga County and Rosemond Gifford Zoo
- John MacGaffick: Human Resources for the USAF
- John Mihalko: Software Engineering Manager for Lockheed Martin
- Craig Rheume: High School Teacher at Rome Free Academy
- William Smith Jr.: Assistant Principal for Utica City Schools
- William Sweeney: Vice President of CORE, a division of CFCU Community Credit Union
Permanent Deacons are ordained clergy who serve the Church in a variety of ways. They are often married men who continue to work secular jobs while also performing many of the duties traditionally associated with the clergy, such as:- Proclaiming the Gospel
- Baptizing children
- Witnessing marriages
- Assisting priests during Mass
- Preaching during Liturgy of the Word services in the absence of a priest
- Leading prayer services
- Serving the sick and performing works of charity
The Ordination Mass is open to the public.
For more information about the Permanent Diaconate or the ordination ceremony, contact Danielle E. Cummings, Chancellor/Director of Communications at 315. 470.1476.