Celebrating Deacon Ordinations June 3, 2023
St. Clare Parish is so honored to have two candidates for Ordination to the Permanent Diaconate: Dan Kimutis (wife Kris) and Len Ratajczyk (wife Tami).

Please mark your calendars for two important dates:
+ 3 June ~ their Ordination at St. Peter Cathedral in Belleville
+ 28 May ~ our parish’s (pre) celebration taking place at our Pentecost Festival

Dan and Len have been very involved in various ministries at St. Clare and we are quite excited that our Bishop has appointed them to remain at our parish for their assignment as Deacons. Len’s “First Mass” as deacon will be Sunday, June 4, at the 8:30 Mass and Dan’s “First Mass” as deacon will be Sunday, June 4, at the 10:30 Mass.

Our parish will be giving each of them a gift and I invite you to join us in that gift by either donating ONLINE HERE, or in the extra basket by the Font this weekend. Some may choose to give their own card and gift. We will be giving them cash to purchase things they will need in their ministry such as vestments, books, etc.

The primary role of a “Permanent Deacon” is to be of service, in ministries to the poor, education, and pastoral care. Their role at Mass is mainly to represent the parish’s care for those in need, since the word “deacon” comes from the Greek word “diakonia,” to serve.

Praise God for calling these men to ordination. Join me in continued prayers for them and their families.

Easter Peace,
Fr. Jim Deiters

To read about Dan & Len’s Deacon formation journey, go to stclarechurch.org/deacon-formation.