Deacon Ordination of Eustolio Acosta

Mr. Eustolio Acosta, a member of our parish, is a candidate for the Permanent Diaconate. Bishops, priests, and deacons receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders. The diaconate is a three-fold ministry of Word, Liturgy and Charity/Social Justice. Deacons are ordained to baptize, proclaim the Gospel, and preach, assist at the Eucharist, witness marriages, and officiate at wakes and funeral services. These are the functions most visible in the parish. The Aunseen aspect of diaconal ministry has its history in the Acts of the Apostles, chapter 6. The Apostles laid hands on seven reputable men, filled with the Holy Spirit and wisdom to care for the widows and take care of the daily distribution of food in the early Christian community.

The ministry most characteristic of the deacon centers on caring for the poor, the alienated, and those who, for various reasons, find themselves on the fringe of society. Deacon’s minister in hospitals, jail ministry, in shelters and soup kitchens, and within the various ministries coordinated through organizations such as Catholic Charities and the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Especially in the workplace, deacons are visible signs of Christ the Servant in the community.

Part of the process toward ordination is to announce to the community about this person’s intentions to be ordained, and make sure that the community assesses that this person possesses the qualities to be an ordained minister. If anyone who knows any reason why this candidate should not be ordained is bound to disclose this immediately. Please contact your pastor or call the office of formation at 847-837-4559 as soon as possible.

If there is no objection from the parish community, Mr. Eustolio Acosta will be ordained Permanent Deacon on May 11, 2024 at 10 am in Holy Name Cathedral.

Please keep Eustolio Acosta, and his wife, Maria De Lourdes Rodriguez, all those who will be ordained, those in formation, and their families in your prayers that they might continue to answer God’s call in their lives.