Donald Morris ordained as a transitional deacon; final year of formation before priesthood is focused on service
When Donald Morris is ordained as a transitional deacon on May 1, he will enter the final year of formation before ordination to the priesthood.
But more importantly, the transitional diaconate is Morris’ entry into the clerical state, meaning he becomes a member of the clergy. With that comes three promises that are made for the first time: obedience to the bishop, celibacy for the sake of God’s Kingdom, and an obligation to pray daily the Liturgy of the Hours.
“There’s a certain way in which you start praying (The Liturgy of the Hours) as a deacon,” said Morris, who has discerned a priestly vocation since childhood. “You’re newly configured to Christ, so you’re praying with Christ for the Church.”
As a transitional deacon, Morris will spend more time on weekends at the parish to which he will be assigned. He will be given faculties to preach, so writing homilies during the week will become a new part of his routine. Transitional deacons also become more involved in sacramental-related activities, including marriage prep, RCIA formation, burials and baptisms.
Ultimately, a transitional deacon is there to assist the priest in serving the people. “In the Acts of the Apostles, they chose seven reputable men to assist the priest, so the priest could be more free for the ministry of the Word and the Eucharist,” Morris said. “The ministry of the deacon is really ordered toward the service of the priest — and ultimately the bishop — that is manifested at Mass in a very visible way. The deacon serves the priest so as to free him to be reverent and prayerful and focusing on the mysteries” rather than the practical aspects of the Mass.
Donald Morris
Age: 26
First Mass preaching as a transitional deacon: 11 a.m. Sunday, May 2, at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Oakville
Family: Parents, Larry and Mary Ann Morris, and the late Madonna Morris; sisters, Renee Hill and Maya Morris
Home parish: St. Francis of Assisi
Education: St. Gabriel the Archangel (Kindergarten-4th grade); St. Katharine Drexel (5th-8th grade); Northwest High School; Rockhurst University (2 years).
The call:
