Eleven permanent deacons of the Archdiocese of New York were ordained on Saturday, June 17, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, with family members, friends, and fellow clergy filling the pews in support.

Permanent deacons assist priests at Mass. They can they proclaim the Gospel and preach with permission of the celebrant, and serve as ordinary ministers of the Eucharist. They may also perform duties outside of Mass in support of their local parish, with the guidance of the pastor or other priest. If married at the time of ordination, they may remain so, but otherwise take a vow of celibacy if they are unmarried or widowed.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan presided over the Diaconate Ordination, taking the vow of obedience from each man. Cardinal Dolan later anointed each man with chrism, the holy oil used by the Church in sacraments including Holy Orders, Confirmation, and Anointing of the Sick.

The 11 men ordained on Saturday are:

Scott Bisig (46) is a parishioner of Sacred Heart Parish in Suffern. God has blessed Scott with the support and love of his beautiful wife of 15 years, Elena, and their four children: Charlotte, Victoria, Clayton, and Marian. 

Douglas J. Borrelli (55) is a parishioner at Saint Joseph Parish in Somers. He is grateful for God’s patience, and the love and support, especially of his beautiful wife Jennifer.

Paul Brophy (59) is a parishioner of Holy Child Parish on Staten Island. Paul has been married to the wonderful Gina for 34 years, and together they have raised four children, Jacqueline, Kathleen , John Paul and Michael. Paul and Gina have been blessed with one grandchild, Stella.

Kurt Koenig (65) is a parishioner of Holy Rosary Parish in Hawthorne. Kurt was widowed, after 35 years of marriage, to the remarkable Jacqueline with whom he has two children Konrad and Katharine, and two grandchildren.

Rafael Ortiz (63) is a parishioner of One Regional Newburgh Church Parish united in Christ as one family by Saint Patrick’s, St. Mary Our Lady of the Lake along with St Mother Teresa of Calcutta which includes Sacred Heart and St Francis in Newburgh. Rafael has been married to his amazing wife Yazmin, for 39 years. Together they have raised four wonderful children, Stephanie, Christian, Allen and Yazmin Diana.

Lawrence Paggi (62) is a lifelong parishioner of Saint Mary’s in Wappingers Falls. He is married to the fantastic Mary for 40 years and together they have raised 5 children, Adam, Meredith, Christian Ryan, Joseph, and Catherine.

Angel Ramirez (40), is a parishioner at Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Morrisania Heights section of the Bronx. He has been married to his lovely wife Evelyn for 15 years and has a daughter Jasmine.

Luis Rosario (42) is a parishioner of Saint Catherine of Genoa Parish in Manhattan, He is married to his beautiful wife Evelyn, and they have four children, Daniel, Isabel Grace, Veronica Maria, and Alba Maria.

Joseph Servello (61) is a parishioner of St. Augustine Parish in Ossining. He has fourteen nieces and nephews who lovingly support him in his life and future ministry.

Christopher Wilson Stearns (51) is a parishioner at the merged parish of Our Lady of Good Counsel and Saint Thomas More located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. East 76th Street. Christopher is married to his beautiful wife, Alix.

Sudhakar Thumma (47), is a parishioner of Saint Columbanus Parish in Cortlandt Manor, He is married to his lovely wife Saritha. They have three wonderful children, Neil (16), Aaron (13) and Joshua (7).