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Bishop ordains two as deacons

By Jeff Kurowski
Compass Assistant Editor

	CALLED TO SERVE: Bp. David Zubik ordains Carl Schmitt a transitional deacon on Dec. 18 at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Green Bay. He also ordained Brian Belongia a transitional deacon at the Mass. The two are scheduled for ordination to the priesthood in May. (Rick Evans photo)

Bp. David Zubik said he has connected with Brian Belongia and Carl Schmitt over the past year and recognizes the gifts each possesses.

"Brian is such a precise thinker," said Bp. Zubik. "He pursues theology with such a pastoral heart."

"Carl, I admire your thoroughness to hospitality," he continued. "You make people feel so welcome."

Bp. Zubik ordained Belongia and Schmitt transitional deacons on Saturday at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Green Bay. The two men were presented as candidates by Fr. Doug LeCaptain, diocesan director of Vocations.

As transitional deacons Belongia and Schmitt may preside over prayer services, celebrate baptisms, weddings and funerals, and perform works of charity in the name of the bishop and the pastor. Both men, who will serve as deacons while completing their seminary studies, are expected to be ordained to the priesthood in May.

In his ordination homily, Bp. Zubik applied the words of St. Polycarp who said, "Let them be merciful and zealous, and let them work according to the truth of the Lord, who became the servant of all."

"Sometimes things become routine and casual," said Bp. Zubik. "May there always be a fire in your ministry."

"It's the wisdom of the church to do the will of God from your heart," he added. "As deacons, you are faithful servants of the altar, faithful servants of God's word, faithful servants of the people."

Belongia and Schmitt committed themselves to celibacy and knelt before the bishop to promise obedience. Both men prostrated before the altar, the ancient posture of surrender and humility, while cantor Kim Hoffman and the congregation sang the Litany of the Saints.

Following the laying on of hands and a prayer of consecration by Bp. Zubik, Belongia and Schmitt were vested by Fr. Donald Zuleger and Fr. William O'Brien, respectively. The two men were then presented the book of the gospels and welcomed by those already in the order of deacon. The ordination marked the first of its kind in the diocese since 1997. Candidates are often ordained to the transitional diaconate at seminaries.

Belongia, who attends Mundelein Seminary in Illinois, served as the deacon at the ordination Mass, while Schmitt, who attends St. Meinrad Seminary in Indiana, delivered thanks to the bishops and priests of the diocese, family and friends.

"Thank you for your support," said Schmitt, "and we ask for your continued prayers as we journey towards priesthood. May God bless you all."

"Today, I want to thank you (Belongia and Schmitt) for the witness you are to me and to all of us," said Bp. Zubik. "I am thankful for your courage and your openness in serving the Lord."