Archdiocese of Newark celebrates six new deacons during ordination

The Archdiocese of Newark welcomed five transitional deacons and one permanent deacon during the Rite of Ordination at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark on Sunday, May 23.

The transitional deacons — Matthew Gonzalez, David Hinojosa, Roberto Moreno, Peter Volz, and Ashton Francisco Wong — are all seminarians who will serve in their new role until being ordained as priests in 2022. As deacons, they may perform works of charity and service, proclaim the word of God, and assist in the liturgical and sacramental life of the Church within whatever archdiocesan parish they are assigned in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, or Union counties.

Edwin T. Dava, the permanent deacon, will minister within his parish part-time while balancing his marriage and career responsibilities. His ordination was particularly meaningful after surviving COVID-19 last year, a feat he credits to the power of prayer.

The Most Reverend Manuel A. Cruz, D.D., Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Newark, ordained the new deacons in a Mass that was filled with the ordinands’ loved ones and priests from throughout the Archdiocese. Afterward, Bishop Cruz told the deacons the Church needs them and anxiously waits for them to spread the Good News of the Gospel.

To learn more about Vocations, go to www.newarkpriest.com. Those interested in the permanent diaconate program in the Archdiocese of Newark are invited to visit www.rcan.org/offices-and-ministries/permanent-diaconate.

Diaconate ordination at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark on May 23, 2021. (Photos by AEROJO Drone Productions)