October 25, 2021 — This fall, six Jesuits from the Jesuits West Province were ordained to the diaconate at two different Masses across the United States.
On Sept. 18, Timothy Breen, SJ, of Jesuits West, was among 11 Jesuits ordained as deacons by Most Reverend Mark O’Connell, Auxiliary Bishop of Boston, at St. Ignatius Church in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. These newly ordained deacons are students at the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry.
On Oct. 23, nine more Jesuits were ordained as deacons by the Most Reverend Michael C. Barber, SJ, Bishop of Oakland, at the Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland, California, including five from Jesuits West: Joseph Kraemer, SJ; Daniel Nevares, SJ; Edward Ngo, SJ; Lucas Sharma, SJ; and Matthew Yim, SJ. These new deacons are currently studying theology at the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University in Berkeley, California.
For Jesuits in formation, ordination to the diaconate is the final step in preparation for priestly ordination in the Society of Jesus. Deacons proclaim the Gospel, preach and teach in the name of the church. As ministers of sacraments, they baptize, witness marriages and conduct wake and funeral services.
As deacons, they will continue their studies and be assigned to parishes until next summer when they will be ordained to the priesthood and receive their first missions as Jesuit priests.