Posted June 11, 2019

Archbishop Charles Chaput was the main celebrant and homilist for the Mass in which he ordained new deacons for service in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. See our photo gallery of the Mass and read full coverage of it here. (Photos by Sarah Webb)

  • Christopher J. Hilden makes the promise of the elect before Archbishop Chaput.

  • Michael J. Cipressi

  • Archbishop Charles Chaput lays his hands on Gary D. Schoenenberger ordaining him a deacon.

  • The candidates for ordination to the permanent diaconate lay prostrate in the sanctuary of the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul in June 2019 as the Litany of Saints is sung over them. (Sarah Webb)

  • Kristin Griffin participates in the Mass for her husband’s ordination using American Sign Language.

  • Archbishop Charles Chaput prays over the seven men that he ordained deacons for the Philadelphia Archdiocese on Saturday, June 7 at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul.

  • Newly ordained Deacon Melvin Burton Jr. is vested in a dalmatic by Deacon James Mahoney.

  • Deacon Christopher J. Hilden is vested by Deacon Michael Pascarella.

  • Deacon Matthew D. Coyne receives the Book of Gospels.

  • Archbishop Charles Chaput hands the Book of Gospels to Deacon Christopher Hilden.

  • Archbishop Charles Chaput congratulates Deacon William J. Griffin.

  • Deacon Steven M. Javie and his fellow newly ordained deacons are congratulated by other deacons of the archdiocese.

  • Deacon William Bradley congratulates newly ordained Deacon Melvin Burton Jr.

  • Wives of the newly ordained deacons bring up the offertory gifts during Mass.

  • Deacon Steven M. Javie

  • Deacon Christopher J. Hilden distributes holy Communion to his wife Karen.

  • Deacon Matthew Coyne distributes holy Communion.

  • Deacon William J. Griffin distributes holy Communion.

  • The newly ordained men and congregation applaud in American Sign Language for the first deaf deacon to be ordained, Deacon William J. Griffin (center).

  • Deacon Michael J. Cipressi is welcomed and congratulated by his pastor, Msgr. Charles Vance, of St. Philip Neri Parish, Lafayette Hill.

  • Deacon Steven M. Javie is congratulated and welcomed by his pastor, Msgr. Michael Picard, of St. Andrew Parish, Newtown.

  • Archbshop Chaput offers a final blessing to the newly ordained men.

  • The wives of the deacons pray for their husbands during Mass.

  • The permanent deacon Class of 2019 poses with the archbishop and seminary officials after the ordination Mass: (Top row, from left) Deacon William J. Griffin, Deacon Gary D. Schoenenberger and Deacon Matthew D. Coyne; (front row, from left) Deacon Christopher J. Hilden; Deacon Michael J. Cipressi; Bishop Timothy Senior, rector of St. Charles Boromeo Seminary; Archbishop Charles Chaput; Father Patrick Brady, dean of the School of Diaconal Formation at the seminary; Deacon Melvin Burton Jr. and Deacon Steven M. Javie.

  • The newly ordained deacons recess out of the cathedral to applause from the congregation.