Bishop John Barres ordained 13 men to the transitional diaconate for the Dioceses of Rockville Centre and Brooklyn, the Archdiocese of New York and South Korea’s Diocese of Daejeon on Saturday, November 3 at St Joseph’s Seminary, Yonkers.
The Ordination to the Transitional Diaconate is the last major step before each man’s ordination to the priesthood next year.
During the Mass, the candidates for ordination were presented and Bishop Barres laid his hands on each man’s head, blessed their hands and gave them the Book of the Gospels, instructing each of them, “Receive the Gospel of Christ, whose herald you have become. Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach.”
The Diocese of Rockville Centre’s new deacons are Deacons Cody Bobick, Matthew Browne, Kenneth Grooms, Nelson Marquez and Roger Velasquez.
Below is a gallery of highlights from the day. Ed Casey photos.
The candidates for ordination process into Mass.
Father Leo Song, associate pastor at St. Rose of Lima, Massapequa, processes into Mass.
The bishop and others applaud to congratulate the acceptance of the candidates for ordination.
Bishop Barres blesses the hands of Deacon Grooms.
The deacon candidates lay prostrate on the floor during the Litany of the Saints.
Bishop Barres lays his hands on Deacon Browne's head.
The vestments for the new deacons are ready.
Deacon Velasquez wears his new vestments.
Deacon Francisco Cales vests Deacon Marquez
Bishop Barres presents the Book of the Gospels to Deacon Bobick.
Bishop Barres gives the Book of the Gospels to Deacon Velasquez.
Bishop Barres offers a sign of peace to Deacon Grooms.
Deacon Velasquez prepares the cups.
Bishop Barres incenses the gifts.
Father Rob Ketcham, chaplain at St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School, extends his hands during the Eucharistic prayer.
Father Thomas Fusco, pastor of Our Lady of Victory, Floral Park, left, and Marianist Father Thomas Cardone, chaplain of Kellenberg Memorial H.S., extend their hands during the Eucharistic prayer.
Deacon Bobick distributes Holy Communion.
Msgr. Peter Vaccari, rector of St. Joseph Seminary, addresses the congregation at the end of Mass.
Seminarian Paul Clores processes from Mass.
Seminarian John Crozier processes at the end of Mass.
After Mass, Bishop Barres congratulates Deacon Browne.
Bishop Barres, seminary rector Msgr. Vaccari (left) and DRVC vocations director Father Joseph Fitzgerald (right) with the newly ordained deacons of the Rockville Centre Diocese, from left, Kenneth Grooms, Matthew Browne, Cody Bobick, Roger Valasquez and Nelson Marquez.
Bishop Barres with the men ordained for the Dioceses of Brooklyn and Rockville Centre and the Archdiocese of New York and South Korea’s Diocese of Daejeon.
Bishop Barres and Father Joseph Fitzgerald pose with Deacon Matthew Browne and his parents.
Bishop Barres poses with Deacon Cody Bobick and members of his family.
Bishop Barres poses with Deacon Roger Valasquez and members of his family.
Bishop Barres poses with Deacon Nelson Marquez and family members.



