The Archdiocese of New York welcomed seven new permanent deacons on Saturday, June 15, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan.

“Thank you to the families who have sacrificed so much in terms of time and support in the gift of your love for the men whom we ordain to service in the Church today. And thank you to the parishes, who have nurtured and supported it,” said Archdiocese of New York Auxiliary Bishop Edmund J. Whalen, vicar for clergy, the diaconate ordination Mass’s principal celebrant, in his opening remarks.

About 1,000 family members, fellow parishioners, and friends attended the Mass. The first reading was delivered in Spanish, and the gospel in English.

After the gospel, the names of each of the seven candidates were read aloud. When the candidates were presented as worthy by Monsignor Joseph LaMorte, vicar general for the Archdiocese of New York, Bishop Whalen proclaimed “Relying on the help of the Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ, we choose these, our brothers, for the order of the diaconate,” followed by applause from those in attendance.

Throughout the 90-minute Mass and especially during his homily, Bishop Whalen returned to the theme of common sense. “That’s what the diaconate is: common sense, practical, being with God’s people to get them ready each day anew to accept the presence of Jesus. To embrace His life in theirs so that together, we bring His life alive for others,” Bishop Whalen said.

Bishop Whalen also referred to the Feast of St. Amos, which fell on the same day as the ordination. He spoke of St. Amos’ practicality as a farmer, that he is a role model for the new deacons.

“Figure out from your own practical knowledge of your own parish, your own practical knowledge of life, your practical knowledge and lived reality of your family life, when is the time when we are ready to receive the gift of the Lord? And how do we make it work?”

The seven new deacons are:

Deacon Rafael Aledo of Incarnation Parish in Manhattan

Deacon Daniel Codi Saint Joseph’s Parish in Florida (NY)

Deacon Thomas Engelhart of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Shrub Oak

Deacon Joseph Gomez of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Shrub Oak

Deacon John Inzeo of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in West Nyack

Deacon Peter McGovern of St. Marianne Cope Parish in Cornwall-on-Hudson

Deacon Orsin Turmalaj of Our Lady of Shkodra Parish in Hartsdale

The diaconate ordination follows the Mass of Priestly Ordination, held on May 25, when seven new priests for the Archdiocese of New York were ordained.

Among those concelebrating with Bishop Whalen was Father Will Mendoza, who was ordained just three weeks ago and is serving his first assignment at Church of the Resurrection in Rye.