Weekend Wisdom - June 19th, 2025

A flash from the past!  This photo was taken on Saturday, May 18, 2013.  On that day, at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Bishop David Ricken ordained me and eight other men to the Order of Deacon. 

The ordination Mass was the culmination of five years of formation… learning and growing in the many facets of our faith and gaining an understanding of my vocation to serve the Diocese of Green as a permanent deacon.   My initial assignment was our family’s parish… St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Green Bay.  Lynn and I were married there in 1984, and our three children received their sacraments of initiation at SEAS.  The pastor was Fr. Paul Demuth.

One of my many vivid memories of the ordination Mass was kneeling in front of Bishop Ricken as he asked me this question: “Do you promise to be obedient to me and to my successors?”  At our rehearsal the previous day, Bishop told us to look through his eyes to the ‘back of his skull’ as we contemplate this important question about obedience.  Of course, the answer needs to be a confident “Yes!”

After serving at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton for six years, my diaconal assignment was changed to St. Mary Ledgeview and St. Francis Xaiver De Pere.  I followed in the footsteps of Deacon Jim Gauthier, who had served at SEAS when I began my diaconate journey.  Deacon Jim’s second assignment was St. Agnes Parish with Fr. Getchel, and his last assignment was our two parishes, led by Fr. Getchel.

As you may know, I recently received a letter from Bishop Ricken that changes my assignment.  As of July 1, 2025, I will be assigned solely to St. Mary Ledgeview, working with Fr. Mike.  So, after seven years of serving both parishes, I will no longer have a formal connection to St. Francis Xavier Parish.  Although I look forward to growing closer to our St. Mary parishioners, I will certainly miss serving the wonderful people at St. Francis Xaiver.  You are all in my prayers as we navigate the changes ahead. 

Properly ordered obedience is a virtue that involves a “disposition of the will to submit to legitimate authority”.  My “yes” to my diaconal promises is rooted in my faith and trust in God.  I feel greatly blessed to be ‘ordained to serve’ and I look forward to being a faithful servant in my role of deacon wherever I am most needed.  Together we pray… Jesus, I trust in you!  😊

May God bless you and your family!   

Deacon Mark