News

Three take next step on path

By Jeff Kurowski
Compass Assistant Editor

	LAYING ON HANDS: Bp. David Zubik ordains Joel Sember to the diaconate Aug. 19 in St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Green Bay. Andrew Kysely and Ben Sember also were ordained as deacons at the Mass. (Rick Evans photo)
	Related articles: August 11, 2006 issue: • Three seminarians will be ordained as deacons (includes photos of the three men) April 29, 2005 issue: • 'Like a herd of sheep, all hungry for pasture' (by Ben Sember) • Smoke became the main topic in Rome (by Joel Sember) April 15, 2005 issue: • Seminarians among faithful to mourn pope June 25, 2004 issue: • Celibacy is a great treasure for the church and for others (by Ben Sember) January 9, 2004 issue: • How one person made a difference for a seminarian August 9, 2002 issue: • 'Seeing the pope was best part of whole trip' (by Joel Sember) January 11, 2002 issue: • How Scripture guides our seminarians April 13, 2001 issue: • 'I had to check priesthood' (Ben Sember) December 8, 2000 issue: • Sacraments attract seminarian (Joel Sember)

"They will do a great job, all three of them are very, very gifted," said Bp. David Zubik about Andy Kysely and Ben and Joel Sember.

Bp. Zubik ordained the three men transitional deacons on Saturday at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Green Bay. Kysely and the Sembers, twin brothers, were presented as candidates by Fr. Tom Long, diocesan Vocation Director.

As transitional deacons they may preach, proclaim the Gospel, preside over prayer services, celebrate baptisms, weddings and funerals, and perform works of charity in the name of the bishop and the pastor. The three men, who will serve as deacons while completing their seminary studies, are expected to be ordained to the priesthood in June of 2007.

The ceremony marked a change from recent years when transitional deacons were ordained in December.

"This gives them almost a full year of experience," said Bp. Zubik. "It's a movement that a lot of dioceses are starting to move toward. It's an opportunity for them to get used to preaching and to formal ministry as well."

In his homily, Bp. Zubik emphasized that the ordination was not the end of something, but just the beginning. He referenced a favorite quote by Gracie Allen from the George Burns and Gracie Allen Show.

"One line she made that has everything to say about this ceremony is, 'Never place a period where God intends a comma,'" he said. "Baptism is just the beginning of God's realization for you."

"It's been a distinct privilege to get to know the three of you," he added. "It's been such a privilege to see your growth. Today becomes a sign of how much the three of you want to live out your baptismal call."

Kysely, the son of Winfred and Colette Kysely, served as deacon at the ordination Mass. He later preached at St. Josaphat Parish in Oshkosh. Joel Sember preached at Most Precious Blood Parish in New London. Ben served as deacon at the 100th anniversary Mass at Sacred Heart Parish in Oshkosh. He will preach at Holy Family Parish, Brillion, this weekend.

Saturday was a day of celebrations for the Sembers. Parents James and Marion Sember marked their 28th wedding anniversary, and Gregory Sember, Ben and Joel's younger brother, made his first Communion.

Bp. Zubik offered thanks to the parents of the three men for their guidance.

"Your own strong faith has been a channel in which God has called your sons," he said.

Bp. Zubik also offered special thanks to Fr. Long and Fr. Doug LeCaptain for their work with the three new deacons.

Fr. LeCaptain, who was diocesan Vocation Director when the three men entered formation, said all three made favorable first impressions.

"I remember Fr. John Doerfler came to my office and told me he met these two guys who are home schooled," he said in reference to the Sembers. "I asked him if he could get a dinner invite so I could meet them. They were bright guys, very outgoing, very intellectual."

Kysely was a student at Silver Lake College in Manitowoc when Fr. LeCaptain met him.

"He knew Fr. Brian Belongia when he was a student there," he said. "I remember when I filled in at Manitowoc one night, I contacted him (Kysely) and said, 'I'm in town, do you want to go to dinner? He said, 'Father, I'm signed up, I'm already going to the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.' I said I would buy dinner anyhow because you never know. Andrew is an impressive guy. He has a great singing ability. All three guys are very prayerful guys."

Dcn. Kysely will continue his studies at Mundelein Seminary in Illinois. Dcns. Ben and Joel Sember will return to Pontifical North American College in Rome.