In December 2023, Bishop Joseph Williams ordained 18 men as permanent deacons for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis at The Saint Paul Seminary. This class is one of the largest in the archdiocese’s history. In the Catholic Church, deacons are part of the diaconate, a degree in the Sacrament of Holy Orders. They serve others, following Christ’s example. Deacons can be transitional, intending to become priests, or permanent, who can have families and secular jobs.
John Rogers, a fundraising consultant, is one of the newly ordained deacons. After experiencing personal loss and a back injury, Rogers decided to join the diaconate to help others in difficult situations.
Kou Ly, another new deacon and uncle of Olympic gold medalist Suni Lee, plans to serve the Hmong Catholics in the Archdiocese. Ly, who works as a database administrator, wants to demonstrate the Church’s beauty and the faith’s holiness to the congregation.
Christopher Richards, also a newly ordained deacon, felt his calling while leading a retreat program. He wants to help others encounter Christ and emphasizes the importance of listening to God’s voice.