September 9, 2009 // Local

Bishop D’Arcy ordains Holy Cross seminarians to diaconate

Todays Catholic

Bishop John M. D’Arcy ordains Kevin Grove and Gerard Olinger to the diaconate in the Congregation of Holy Cross on Sunday, Aug. 30, at the chapel at Moreau Seminary.

By Sister Margie Lavonis, CSC

NOTRE DAME — In the presence of family, friends and members of the Holy Cross family, Kevin Grove and Gerard Olinger professed their final vows in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart on Saturday, Aug. 29, and were ordained deacons by Bishop John M. D’Arcy the following day in the chapel at Moreau Seminary.

Holy Cross Father David T. Tyson, provincial, testified to Bishop D’Arcy of the readiness of the two men to receive the order of deacon on their journey toward the priesthood.

In his homily, Bishop D’Arcy spoke of his privilege to be associated with an extraordinary missionary order like Holy Cross and his gratitude for all the congregation has contributed to the work of the diocese since its beginning.
When speaking of the great need for priests, Bishop D’Arcy quoted Pope Benedict who said, “We have learned that it is more important to have good priests than many priests.”

When addressing the assembly and those to be ordained about the ministry of deacon, Bishop D’Arcy said that God wants pure hearts freely given. Those to be ordained, in fact all, no matter what their call in life, must always rely on God’s grace for hope and strength. He told the candidates to be like St. John Vianney, the patron of priests, who every time he offered Mass he offered his whole self to God. “Offer your whole self to God without reservation,” said Bishop D’Arcy.

He reminded them that they are called to give their hearts to the people, especially the poor, and to the ministry of the church. They must stay close to the people and serve them unreservedly.

The church’s instruction, given by Bishop D’Arcy, admonished those to be ordained to have undivided hearts and be firmly rooted and grounded in faith.

After the instruction, the candidates reaffirmed their vow of consecrated celibacy for the sake of the kingdom and also promised obedience and respect to their bishop and religious superior. Afterwards those present called upon the communion of saints for their blessings upon them. Bishop D’Arcy then laid his hands over each candidate and prayed the prayer of ordination. Grove and Olinger were then presented with the vestments of deacons and the Book of the Gospels.

Bishop D’Arcy concluded the Mass assisted by the two new deacons who assumed the liturgical duties of deacons.
Deacon Grove, a native of Montana, entered Moreau Seminary in August of 2004. He will serve at St. Joseph Parish in South Bend until his ordination in April of next year.

Deacon Olinger is from Springfield, Pa. He, too, came to Holy Cross in August of 2004. His has been assigned to serve as deacon at the University of Portland until ordination.