Transitional deacons see witness in permanent deacons

Transitional Deacons Douglas Marcotte, left, and Martin Rodriguez smile during the June 23 Mass at SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Indianapolis during which both were ordained alongside 16 permanent deacons. They expect to be ordained to the priesthood in June 2013. (Photo by Mary Ann Garber) Click for a larger version.

By Sean Gallagher

Two future priests of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis were ordained transitional deacons during the same June 23 liturgy at SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Indianapolis during which 16 men were ordained permanent deacons.

Deacon Douglas Marcotte, a member of St. Michael Parish in Greenfield, and Deacon Martin Rodriguez, a member of St. Mary Parish in Indianapolis, expect to be ordained to the priesthood in June 2013.

“As the ordination liturgy progressed,” Deacon Marcotte said, “I kept thinking about how good God has been to me throughout my entire life, and how humbling it is for him to have called me to a vocation to the priesthood.”

Deacon Rodriguez said he was surprised by how calm he was during the liturgy.

“The prayers of so many people helped me to receive this gift with so much happiness and calmness,” he said. “It was very peaceful.”

Many Hispanic Catholics from across the archdiocese came to the ordination to support the first Latino to be ordained a transitional deacon for the archdiocese since the diaconate ordination of now-Father Mauro Rodas in 1964.

“I definitely feel the support of the entire community,” Deacon Rodriguez said. “I’m really grateful that so many people were able to come, so many whom I haven’t seen in a long time.”

Both transitional deacons are students at the Pontifical North American College in Rome and only return home every two years.

Deacon Rodriguez’s grandmothers both made their first trips outside of their native Mexico to attend the ordination. It was the first time in more than a decade that Deacon Rodriguez’s parents had seen their mothers.

“I was very, very excited and happy, too,” said Martin Rodriguez, Deacon Rodriguez’s father, about the ordination of his son. “My family came from Mexico—my mom and my mother-in-law.”

Irene Marcotte, Deacon Marcotte’s mother, was moved when she saw Bishop Christopher J. Coyne, apostolic administrator, ritually lay hands on her son’s head.

“I was just thinking about how Jesus was there with all of us,” she said. “Doug had finally arrived. He had made it to that point of becoming a deacon. Next year, he’ll become a priest.”

Deacon Marcotte was pleased to be ordained alongside 16 permanent deacons.

“Their witness is tremendous and their life experience will no doubt greatly benefit the Church in central and southern Indiana,” he said. “It was also exciting to think that someday soon it is very likely that I will be serving side by side with them in our parishes.”

Deacon Rodriguez was impressed by the permanent deacons’ choice to be doubly committed in their lives of faith.

“They have already made a commitment as married men,” Deacon Rodriguez said. “And now they’re making another commitment to serve the Church, which is impressive. It serves as a witness to us [as future priests].”

At the same time, permanent Deacon Richard Cooper of St. Mary Parish in Lanesville said being ordained alongside two future priests put his own ministry in a broader context.

“It’s not just about us,” Deacon Cooper said. “It’s about Christ’s work. We’re all a part of his work. That’s what we’re here to do. It’s nice to share that with them. And some day, we may serve with them.”
 

(For more information on vocations to the priesthood in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, log on to www.HearGodsCall.com.) †