Archbishop's web site Denver Catholic Register Parishes Catholic Pastoral Center
August 16, 2000
Deacon Day Mass celebrated at John Paul II
By Peter Droege
Twenty-three men were admitted to candidacy during the Deacon Day Mass on the Feast of St. Lawrence, Aug. 10, at Christ the King Chapel at the John Paul II Center.
The chapel was filled with deacons, their wives and families. Deacons celebrating significant anniversaries were honored during a banquet that followed the Mass
During the homily, Archbishop Charles Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., called on the deacons and their wives to follow the example of St. Lawrence in giving themselves in sacrificial love.
"Those called to be deacons are called to be sacraments, living symbols to the community of the sacrificial love embodies in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ," he said.
The archbishop thanked the wives of the deacons for their generosity in making sacrifices to allow their husbands to serve the Church.
Those called to candidacy during the Mass included: Michael Berens, Kelvin Brath, George Brown, Michael Bunch, D. Blake Couture, Robert Cropp, Walter Curtis, James Devlin, John Driesbach, Lanny Fahlenkamp, Franklin Fricke, Ernest Kollar, Gerald Kotas, Kevin Leiner, AlanDale Manchego, Gerardo Martinez, Dennis Morales, John Nusse, Ronald Roderick, Pablo Salas, Andrew Sanchez, William Senger and James Wolfe.
As Rev. Mr. Alfonso Sandoval, secretary for deacons, called each forward by name, they responded, "present," made a sign of reverence before Archbishop Chaput, and stood at the front of the chapel.
Deacon Sandoval then asked the nearly 70 deacons present at the Mass to stand and renew their ordination promises before the Archbishop. After the renewal of promises, Archbishop Chaput asked the assembly to keep the deacons in their prayers.
Celebrating 25 years of diaconal service are Rev. Mr. George Fitterer, Rev. Mr. Granby Hillyer (deceased), Rev. Mr. Jerome Kulinski, Rev. Mr. Carlos Padilla, Rev. Mr. Samuel Trujillo, Rev. Mr. Filemon Gonzales, Rev. Mr. Michael Howard, Rev. Mr. E. Gene Mooneyham and Rev. Mr. Maclovio Sanchez.
Celebrating 20 years of diaconal service are Rev. Mr. Charles Lamar and Rev. Mr. Darryl Dunn. Celebrating ten years of service is Rev. Mr. Craig Fucci.
