May 17, 2016 The Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend announces the dates for the diaconate and priestly ordinations. On Saturday, May 21, Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades will ordain two men to the diaconate during an 11 a.m. Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Fort Wayne, Indiana. On Saturday, June 4, Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades will ordain three men to the priesthood during an 11 a.m. Mass at St. Matthew Cathedral in South Bend, Indiana.

The three deacons to be ordained priests are Deacon Robert Garrow, from St. Matthew Cathedral, South Bend, Deacon David Violi and Deacon Craig Borchard both from St. Pius X, Granger. The two men to be ordained deacons are Mr. Eric Burgener from St. Charles Borromeo, Fort Wayne and Mr. Dennis Di Benedetto from St. Vincent de Paul, Fort Wayne.

Bishop Rhoades expressed his joy regarding the upcoming ordination, “The ordinations will be a joyful blessing for me and our whole diocese. We are grateful to God to receive three new priests and two new deacons to serve in His vineyard. I am grateful that these young men have generously responded to the Lord’s call to ordained ministry in the Church in our diocese.”

Doors open at 9:30 a.m. and both ordinations are open to the public. A capacity crowd is expected for the Masses. For those who are unable to attend the priest ordination Mass, coverage of the event will be broadcast live on Redeemer Radio at 10:55 a.m. on 95.7 FM in the greater Michiana area and 106.3 FM in the greater Fort Wayne area.