FOUR MEN ORDAINED AS DEACONS. Bishop Edward J. Burns, center left, and Auxiliary Bishop Greg Kelly, center right, pose with, from left, Deacon David Piquer, Deacon Bryce Baumann, Deacon Allen-Michael Muench, and Deacon Peter Whitfield following the four seminarians’ ordination to the transitional diaconate on March 9 at the National Shrine Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe. (Michael Gresham/The Texas Catholic)
Bishop ordains four seminarians as deacons for Diocese of Dallas
By Michael Gresham
The Texas Catholic
The pews were packed March 9 at the National Shrine Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe as Bishop Edward J. Burns was joined by Auxiliary Bishop Greg Kelly and their brother priests of the Diocese of Dallas for a Mass for the Order of Ordination to the Diaconate of Bryce Baumann, Allen-Michael Muench, David Piquer, and Peter Whitfield.
For these seminarians, the ordination to the diaconate marks a significant milestone in their journey towards priesthood, a moment of dedication to their vocation and service to the Church.
During his homily, Bishop Burns expressed the diocese’s joy in welcoming these four men to the sacred order, emphasizing their divine calling and commitment to spreading the Gospel. He reflected on the profound responsibility they undertake as ordained deacons, offering their lives to bear fruit for the Gospel and the mission of Jesus Christ.
“When I look at these four men, I rejoice as the bishop of the Diocese of Dallas,” Bishop Burns said, adding that the diocese celebrates that these four men have been “chosen by God in order to step forward to the altar for ordination” and that through the sacred sacrament of orders “they offer their lives so as to bear much fruit for the Gospel.”
Addressing the families of the four men being ordained as transitional deacons, Bishop Burns expressed gratitude for their unwavering support and acknowledged their crucial role in nurturing and guiding the vocations of their loved ones. He urged the newly ordained deacons to draw strength from their faith, the prayers of their families, and the steadfastness of the communities they serve.
From left, Bryce Baumann, Allen-Michael Muench, David Piquer, and Peter Whitfield lay prostrate before the altar during their Mass of ordination to the diaconate at the National Shrine Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe on March 9. (Michael Gresham/The Texas Catholic)
“Thank you for the gift of them, because you have accompanied them on this journey,” Bishop Burns said. “You have been with them as they have tried to make sense of the mystery that God has placed before them. You will be with them as they face the mystery that lies ahead.”
Bishop Burns also underscored the importance of faith, grace, and communal support in navigating the challenges and mysteries of religious vocation. The bishop urged the four men being ordained to continue to look to their families for support as they continue their journeys of faith.
“None of us knows what is in store for us as we place our lives, our love, and our faith into our lord, Jesus Christ. There will be moments that you will be put to the test, and those moments will try your faith,” Bishop Burns said. “Rely on the grace that you receive at this ordination. Rely on the grace that you receive from the prayers of your family. Rely on the steadfastness and faithfulness of the people you serve.”
In a broader context, Bishop Burns emphasized the need to cultivate a culture of vocation within the Church, encouraging more young men to consider the priesthood. He cited examples of recent conversions and vocations within the diocese, highlighting the ongoing work of fostering vocations at home, in parishes, and within the community.
“It is important that we cultivate more young men to consider this vocation,” said Bishop Burns, adding that he celebrated not only those being ordained but also those in priestly formation and those discerning such a vocation. “Indeed, we live out the words, ‘It was not you who chose me, but it was I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will last.’
“I cherish the fact that there are moments,” the bishop added, “when we can see the hand of the Lord at work.”
Reflecting on his own journey to the priesthood, Bishop Burns underscored the mysterious nature of God’s calling and the profound responsibility entrusted to those who answer that call.
He encouraged all those discerning a priestly vocation to trust in God’s guidance and to embrace the possibility of serving the Church in extraordinary ways.
In conclusion, Bishop Burns offered prayers and support for the newly ordained transitional deacons as they embarked on their ministry, reminding them of the transformative power of their service in revealing the mysteries of Christ to the faithful. The congregation responded with an “amen,” echoing their commitment to supporting and upholding the ordained ministers in their sacred mission.
“We, the people of God, rejoice that God has called you and has chosen you for this moment,” he said. “We pray for you, and we support you in all this. He has chosen us, and in turn, may we be faithful to this calling.”
