Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

During a ceremony that was at times meditative and others joyful, 10 men were ordained permanent deacons on Aug. 24 at St. Peter the Apostle Church in south Louisville.

Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre, who ordained them, said the occasion was a “wonderful day of joy” and reminded the men, nine of whom are married, that their vocation and primary focus continues to be their wives and family.

The archbishop offered “heartfelt gratitude” to their wives, noting with mirth, “If they had not said ‘yes,’ you would not be in this church — and that’s a fact.” The wives of deacons, while not ordained, often share in the deacons’ ministry and are expected to attend the five-year formation program alongside their husbands.

During his homily, the archbishop discussed the role of the deacon and invited the ordinands to embark on a spiritual quest. He began by noting a long-held fascination with the chalice used by Jesus at the Last Supper, known as the Holy Grail. From medieval Crusades to the 20th-century movie "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade," the chalice has been steeped in lore through centuries.

The chalice is also the particular focus of the deacon during the celebration of the Eucharist, he said. Deacons prepare it during the preparation of gifts, lift it at doxology, and serve as ordinary ministers of it during Communion.

Speaking to those waiting to be ordained, he said: “I invite you to … undertake a spiritual quest guided by attention you will give to the chalice at Mass. In this quest, I invite you to strive to be certain that your liturgical ministry regarding it will manifest itself in your life and service as a deacon.”

He outlined three ways this role can be manifested outside Mass:

First, he noted that deacons pour wine and water into it for consecration as Christ's Blood. “As you prepare water and wine for transubstantiation … may you desire to prepare God’s people for transformation by encountering Him through your ministry.”

Second, he mentioned assisting priests at doxology by raising it when Christ's Body and Blood are elevated. “As deacons...you must reflect this action by constantly lifting God's people towards His love through prayer...and actions.”

He urged them to support people compassionately: "Err on mercy's side."

Finally, he spoke about distributing Communion: "As ministers offering Christ's presence via chalice at Communion...seek welcoming Him into your own lives."

The newly ordained are Deacons Michael A. Schmitt, Donald P. Robbins, Douglas B. Korfhage, Jim Kramer, Craig Roberts, Joseph Jim Creely, Craig Lish M., Kevin Webb Christopher J., Kelly Randy Perkins.

They have been assigned parishes around archdiocese.

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