Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, Archbishop of Newark, is set to ordain eight transitional deacons and 19 permanent deacons on May 18, followed by the ordination of three men to the priesthood on May 24. Both ceremonies will be held at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark.

The ordinations are open to the public, with attendees encouraged to offer prayers for those being ordained as they begin their service in parishes across Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Union counties. Those attending the Presbyteral Ordination will have a chance to receive blessings from the new priests after the ceremony.

The Masses will also be available via livestream on the Cathedral Basilica’s YouTube page.

This year's presbyteral ordinandi come from diverse backgrounds but share a common journey enriched by faith. Deacon Michael Bollinger discovered his vocation during college with encouragement from friends and mentors. Deacon Giovanni Cuzziol's path included missionary work in Africa and involvement with the Neocatechumenal Way in Italy. Deacon Raymond Francis Walsh found his calling through active parish life and missionary work in Minnesota and North Dakota.

Father Patrick Seo, director of priestly vocations, commented on this diversity: “I love how the Church embraces people with different personalities... This year’s ordinandi are great examples of that.”

The eight transitional deacons — David Andrade, Alan de Almeida Barreto, Jorge Humberto Diaz Jr., Konrad Kosiek, Michael Oasheim, Ricardo Padilla, Jose Eduardo Sanchez and Jose Miguel Serafini-Careaga — are current seminarians who will serve archdiocesan parishes over the next year before their expected ordination to priesthood in 2026.

The permanent deacons include Brian Richard Brockway and Jaime O. Bustos among others. Monsignor Joseph R. Chapel noted their varied experiences: “They represent the variety of experiences of our faithful... We thank God for our new deacons.”

Men interested in pursuing priesthood or becoming a permanent deacon can contact respective offices within the Archdiocese for more information.