The Diocese of Saginaw is celebrating the ordination of a new deacon. Seminarian Charles Warner (pictured right) was ordained to the transitional diaconate at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City on Oct. 2 along with 15 of his classmates from Pontifical North American College, where Deacon Charles is currently studying theology.
The transitional diaconate is the final step before ordination to the priesthood. Deacon Charles is expected to be ordained to the priesthood in early 2026 in the Diocese of Saginaw.
WATCH VIDEO AND SEE PHOTOS FROM ORDINATION
Bishop Joseph Hanefeldt, Bishop of Grand Island, was the consecrating prelate at the Mass and also shared the homily.
Bishop Hanefeldt encouraged the men saying, “Pour yourself out in loving service as you cling to Christ with an undivided heart, making yourselves completely available for the service of God and his people and for their spiritual renewal. Cultivate each day a true love for the people of God. Desire the highest good. Strive to love them with the mind and heart of Jesus. Be patient with them. Lovingly encourage them to discover the more that Jesus wants to share with them. And remember St. John Vianney always said, ‘The priesthood is the love of the heart of Jesus.’"
After the homily, Deacon Charles and his fellow seminarians, promised "to discharge the office of deacon with humility and love, to hold fast to the mystery of faith, to proclaim this faith in word and deed, to embrace the celibate state, and to pray for the Church and the whole world," as well as a promise of obedience. They then laid prostrate before the altar as the congregation prayed the Litany of Supplication, asking for the intercession of the saints.
Finally, through the laying on of hands and Prayer of Ordination, Charles Warner was ordained a deacon. He received his liturgical vestments— a stole and dalmatic. Deacon Charles was vested by his father, Deacon Rick Warner.
Bishop Hanefeldt then handed on the Book of the Gospels, reminding Deacon Charles that he must believe what he reads, teach what he believes and practice what he teaches.
Bishop Robert Gruss, Father Bill Rutkowski, Father Andy Booms, Father Jose Maria Cabrera, Father Matthew Gembrowski, Father Andy LaFramboise, Deacon Larry Gayton, Deacon Rick Warner, Patricia Warner and many additional family and friends represented the Diocese of Saginaw at the Mass.
In a message to the faithful of the Diocese of Saginaw, Deacon Charles expressed his heartfelt gratitude for their prayers and support during his years of seminary formation. He also looks forward to sharing the joy of his ordination with the people of the Diocese upon his return. Deacon Charles will continue his formation, completing his final year at the Pontifical North American College, with hopes of being ordained a priest next year.