In anticipation of their ordination to the priesthood, Jesuit scholastics are ordained to the diaconate during their theology studies. The diaconate role, in which they typically serve for six months to a year, is the final step in their preparation for priestly ordination. Deacons proclaim the Gospel and preach and teach in the name of the Church. As ministers of sacraments, they baptize, witness marriages, and conduct wake and funeral services.
This year, Jesuits were ordained in Masses across the country in Omaha; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts; Orinda, California; and Toronto. Among those ordained as deacons were seven Midwest Jesuits. Trevor Rainwater, SJ, was ordained by the Most Reverend Terrence Prendergast, Archbishop of Ottawa-Cornwall, in the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes in Toronto on May 23. Aaron Malnick, SJ, was ordained by Cardinal Sean O’Malley, OFM Cap., on September 19 at the Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola in Chestnut Hill. Four Midwest Jesuits were ordained by the Most Reverend Michael C.Barber, SJ, Bishop of Oakland, in Orinda on October 24: Thomas Bambrick, SJ; Jeffrey Dorr, SJ; Robert Karle, SJ; and Hung Nguyen,SJ. Lastly, Jeffrey Sullivan, SJ, was ordained on November 5, by the Most Reverend George J. Lucas, Archbishop of Omaha, at St. John’s Parish at Creighton University. Garrett Gundlach, SJ, will be ordained a deacon in Paris in April 2021.