Cardinal Tobin to ordain 3 new priests, 3 new deacons for Archdiocese of Newark (Ordinations 2024)
Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, will ordain three men to the priesthood during the Rite of Ordination on Saturday, May 25, at 10 a.m., and three transitional deacons during a Deaconate Ordination on Sunday, May 19, at noon. Both ordination masses will take place in Newark’s Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart
Everyone is welcome to join the ordination masses and offer prayers for the newly ordained men before they begin their service in parishes across Bergen, Essex, Hudson, or Union counties. Attendees of the priestly ordination will also have the opportunity to receive the first blessings from the newly ordained priests, who will greet well-wishers after the ceremony.
Both ordinations will be livestreamed on the Archdiocese’s YouTube and Facebook pages as well as the Cathedral Basilica’s YouTube and Facebook pages.
This year’s ordinandi followed diverse paths to the priesthood. Despite their varied backgrounds, they all share one commonality — their lives have been enriched and completed by God. They are as follows:
- Deacon Matteo Matarazzo, 31: Deacon Matarazzo had once lost faith and pursued a career in the restaurant industry before considering joining the Navy in his native country of Italy. However, upon encountering the catechesis of the Neocatechumenal Way, he experienced God’s forgiveness and acceptance, which reignited his faith. Feeling the presence of God’s love, Deacon Matarazzo felt called to the priesthood. When the Italian Navy approached him to join its officers program, he declined, stating that God had already enlisted him for service.
- Deacon Joseph A. Pavone, 35: Deacon Pavone did not take a linear path to the priesthood. Ten years ago, he was ordained as a transitional deacon but later chose to step away from Church ministry in search of personal fulfillment. This led him to explore unique jobs and meet a multitude of people. Through these experiences, he matured, became more compassionate, and gained a deeper understanding. Eventually, Deacon Pavone realized this journey was God’s way of preparing him for his true calling as a priest.
- Deacon Andrew M. Rubinich, 25: Deacon Rubinich’s journey began in St. Thomas More Church in Fairfield, where he started as an altar server and later engaged in youth ministry, eventually becoming a catechetics teacher and leading vacation Bible school. Throughout these roles, he felt a call to the priesthood but kept his dream to himself. It was only after several people urged him to consider seminary that he realized his vocation as a priest. Now on the brink of ordination, Deacon Rubinich eagerly anticipates serving Jesus and His people.
“Harvest day comes again for us in the Archdiocese of Newark who have responded generously to the Lord’s call to ‘Beg the Lord of the harvest, to send out laborers for His harvest (Luke 10:2),’” said Father Eugenio de la Rama, director of vocations for the Archdiocese of Newark. “May our new priests be encouraged by the words of Pope Francis, who said earlier this month, ‘You will experience the joy of being true fathers who do not dominate others, but rather, bring out in them, men and women alike, great and precious possibilities!’ Praised be Jesus Christ, now and forever!”
The three men who will be ordained as transitional deacons — Mike Bollinger, Giovanni Cuzziol, and Raymond Walsh — are current seminarians who will each spend the next year serving an archdiocesan parish, performing charitable works, proclaiming God’s Word, and assisting in the liturgical and sacramental life of the Church. This will culminate in their ordinations to the priesthood one year from now.
Men who are interested in exploring life in the priesthood are encouraged to contact the Archdiocese of Newark’s Office of Priestly Vocations. This office fosters a culture of vocation through prayer, recruitment, and accompaniment. To learn more, visit www.newarkpriest.com.
Featured image: Deacon Matteo Matarazzo, Deacon Joseph A. Pavone, and Deacon Andrew M. Rubinich (from left to right) will be ordained as priests for the Archdiocese of Newark on May 25 at 10 a.m. in Newark’s Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart.
