Ordained by Toronto Auxiliary Bishop John Boissonneau before a near-capacity crowd at St. Michael’s Cathedral, the nine men will have a pastoral appointment to serve an area where people cannot normally attend church (hospitals, prisons, seniors’ centres and more), as well as being a strong presence at their local parish, from preaching to witnessing marriages, presiding at funerals and baptizing children.
“The mission of service is what the Father asks of Jesus and what is now asked of these men,” said Boissonneau.
The new deacons — Stephen Allan Booth, Kevin Grandy, George Jurenas, David Langley, Doug McManaman, Bill Radigan, Anthony Teresi, Barry Wood and Jan Charles Sirek — have been preparing for their call for the past four years at St. Augustine’s Seminary. They join the hundreds of men who since the diaconate’s reinstatement in 1967, shortly after Vatican II, have aided the church in Canada in ministering to the faithful.
Boissonneau reminded the men that just as the disciples of Christ “came to serve and not to be served,” they must also accept the Lord’s invitation to serve.
“As deacons, you will serve Jesus Christ. Do the will of God as it comes to you,” Boissonneau said.
Brief profiles
Stephen Allan Booth (wife, Anna)
Deacon Booth is from Holy Spirit parish in Barrie, Ont. He is currently ministering in the critical care and emergency departments of the Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie. He plans to continue ministering there after ordination — if that is where the Lord calls him to serve.
His favourite saint is Jude. He recalls his mother praying novenas to St. Jude when he was only a child. It wasn’t long before he was following her example. Whenever he needed help, he’d invoke St. Jude. The Letter of Jude encourages the faithful to persevere through harsh and difficult circumstances, as did our forefathers.
Kevin Grandy (wife, Joyce)
Deacon Grandy is from St. Domenic’s parish in Mississauga, Ont. Grandy plans on working with the poor in the community, with the hope of becoming their advocate and voice.
His favourite “saint” is not yet canonized. He refers to Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta. He has been deeply inspired by her love of the poor, as well as by her struggles with suffering and darkness, in particular the dark night of faith.
George Jurenas (wife, Sue)
Deacon Jurenas is from St. Joseph’s parish in Mississauga, Ont. Jurenas hopes to do hospital ministry and palliative care.
His favourite saint is Jude, patron saint of lost causes and desperate cases. He’s prayed for his intercession all throughout his life, and he is convinced that St. Jude has helped him through the diaconate program, as well as in his hospital ministry, working with the critically and terminally ill, bringing hope and comfort to those who feel abandoned.
David Langley
Deacon Langley is from Holy Martyrs of Japan parish in Bradford, Ont. Langley’s possible area of ministry will be at Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket, Ont.
His favourite saint is Therese of the Child Jesus. She lived a hidden life of prayer and she was gifted with great intimacy with God.
Bill Radigan (wife, Sally)
Deacon Radigan is at Holy Spirit parish. He will likely work within the criminal justice system. Radigan would like to work with the families of offenders, as well as offenders.
His favourite saint is Francis of Assisi. He admires his humility, simplicity and the tremendous joy he discovered in every aspect of living, even suffering. He has been inspired by Francis’ enormous love for God and all of His creation.
Jan Charles Sirek (wife, Elizabeth)
Deacon Sirek is a member of Guardian Angels parish in Orillia, Ont. Sirek is currently visiting the elderly who reside at the Huntsville Hospital. He would like to extend this ministry to some of the other retirement homes in the area.
His favourite saint is Mother Teresa. Originally, Sirek had little interest in her, but by accident he was flipping through channels and stumbled upon an interview with Mother Teresa. Something about her struck him. Sirek believes that her wisdom, attitude and life are authentic echoes of what Christ is calling for in all of us.
Anthony Joseph Teresi (wife, Marie)
Deacon Teresi is from the Church of St. Lawrence Martyr. He is currently a hospital chaplain at Rouge Valley Centenary Hospital. Teresi hopes to continue in this ministry as he feels a strong calling to minister to those who are hospitalized and to be a companion to them along their journey.
Teresi’s favourite saint is St. Anthony of Padua because he was a great preacher, an accomplished orator and he was filled with a zeal for souls.
Barry Wood (wife, Sheila)
Deacon Wood is from Merciful Redeemer parish in Mississauga, Ont. Wood is very excited at the prospect of bringing a Catholic presence to the Maplehurst Correctional Complex.
St. Augustine is Woods’ favourite saint. What inspired him was Augustine’s search for God, his understanding of faith, as well as Augustine’s ability to express difficult ideas simply and clearly.
Doug McManaman (wife, Cecilia)
Deacon McManaman is from Our Lady of Grace parish in Aurora, Ont. He is currently working with patients in the mental health unit of Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket.
His favourite saint is Don Bosco. The saint’s love for the young has always been an inspiration, as well as the personality and character of the Curé of Ars, St. Catherine of Siena, not to mention the life of St. Anthony of the Desert. But in recent years, the example and almost incomprehensible fortitude of St. Jean de Brebeuf has become a source of tremendous inspiration.