August 12, 2017 – from our Deacon Couple:

(Visit here to read all of Deacon Jay and Candy’s blogs)

Today was our first day back at the Cathedral since ordination.  We were here to support those being ordained as Transitional Deacons (TDs). Some of the Permanent Deacons (PDs) present, including Deacon Jay, assisted as ministers of the cup for communion. The Mass was led by Bishop Joseph Brennan.

We were informed that this was the first time that the PDs were the ones who congratulated the TDs. It was a wonderful experience! The PDs processed in prior to the start of the Mass. Candy & Deacon Jay processed in together.

Yes, there were differences in the ordination.

Under their albs, TDs wear clerics (i.e. a roman collar) instead of street clothes. They promise to say the complete Liturgy of the Hours instead of just morning and evening prayer. They vow to be obedient to their Ordinary (who could be their Pastor, Rector or Bishop) while PDs take a vow to be obedient to the Archbishop and his successors.

The TDs are not married and take a vow of celibacy while PDs may be married prior to ordination but cannot remarry if their wife passes away after ordination.

After ordination, the TDs do not do first blessings as the PDs do. They pray with those who come to congratulate them.  First blessings will occur after they are ordained a priest which will be next June. They both have a first Mass and a celebration afterwards.

PDs return to work on the Monday after ordination (unless they are retired or take a vacation day). TDs return to seminary to continue their studies.

The functions of a TD and a PD are the same. Once you are ordained a Deacon, you are always a Deacon. Even though those ordained on Saturday will become Priests next year, they will still be Deacons.

Candy and Deacon Jay ask that you keep these eleven men in your prayers as they continue their journey towards the priesthood.

If you would like to read more about Deacons and the differences between the two types, please click on this link.

If you are interested in becoming a Deacon or a Deacon Couple for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, please contact:

Diaconate Formation Office Archdiocese of Los Angeles
3424 Wilshire Boulevard, 2nd Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90010-2241 213-637-7383

Candy & Dcn. Jay Krueger, Deacon Couple
Holy Family Church, South Pasadena, CA
Email: DeaconJay@holyfamily.org