Ordination to the Order of the Diaconate of Three Seminarians at St. Patrick Cathedral on Wednesday, August 16, 2022
El Paso, TX - August 15, 2023 – The Diocese of El Paso is thrilled to announce the forthcoming Ordination to the Order of the Diaconate that will take place on August 16, 2023. This celebration will mark a significant milestone on their way to being eventually ordained priests for the diocese of El Paso. The three seminarians are Luis Manuel Rodarte Jr, Alexander "Askee" Gutierrez Rodriguez, and Anwar Camarena. The Mass of Ordination is scheduled to commence at 6:30 PM at St. Patrick Cathedral located at 1118 N. Mesa St, El Paso, TX and will be Simulcast on The Diocese of El Paso Facebook and the Diocesan Website.
According to the Dogmatic Constitution on the church, Lumen Gentium (Light of the Nations) the Order of Deacon’s role is defined as:
At a lower level of the hierarchy are deacons, upon whom hands are imposed "not unto the priesthood, but unto a ministry of service."(74*) For strengthened by sacramental grace, in communion with the bishop and his group of priests they serve in the diaconate of the liturgy, of the word, and of charity to the people of God. It is the duty of the deacon, according as it shall have been assigned to him by competent authority, to administer baptism solemnly, to be custodian and dispenser of the Eucharist, to assist at and bless marriages in the name of the Church, to bring Viaticum to the dying, to read the Sacred Scripture to the faithful, to instruct and exhort the people, to preside over the worship and prayer of the faithful, to administer sacramentals, to officiate at funeral and burial services. Dedicated to duties of charity and of administration, let deacons be mindful of the admonition of Blessed Polycarp: "Be merciful, diligent, walking according to the truth of the Lord, who became the servant of all."
The Ordinandi to the Diaconate are:
Luis Manuel Rodarte Jr, a 32-year-old native of El Paso, has embarked on an extraordinary journey towards his diaconate ordination. His path, once rooted in academia and medicine, shifted as he answered a divine call to serve God and His people. Luis underwent rigorous theological studies at St. Mary's Seminary in Houston and St. John's Seminary in Camarillo, CA, solidifying his commitment to his new vocation.
Alexander "Askee" Gutierrez Rodriguez, a 29-year-old hailing from Venezuela, brings the spirit of faith, community, and service to his diaconate journey. Dedicated to prayer and study over the past nine years, Askee's profound connection to his calling shines through his humility and joy. His decision to become a deacon embodies his love for God, the Church, and all of humanity.
Anwar Camarena, originally from Guadalajara, Mexico, has followed a transformative path to the diaconate. His priestly formation took him to various seminaries, including St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in El Paso and St. John's Seminary in California. Anwar's unwavering faith and dedication have guided him to this significant moment of diaconate ordination. He eagerly anticipates embracing the diverse ministries offered by the Diocese of El Paso.
The ordination ceremony will be presided over by Bishop Mark Seitz, a guiding figure who has played a pivotal role in mentoring and supporting these aspiring deacons throughout their discernment journey. Bishop Seitz expressed his anticipation for the ceremony, stating, "The ordination to the diaconate is a joyful moment for our diocese. These three seminarians have demonstrated their unyielding commitment to their faith and their unwavering dedication to serving God's people. We rejoice in welcoming them into this sacred order.”
According to the Dogmatic Constitution on the church, Lumen Gentium (Light of the Nations) the Order of Deacon’s role is defined as:
At a lower level of the hierarchy are deacons, upon whom hands are imposed "not unto the priesthood, but unto a ministry of service."(74*) For strengthened by sacramental grace, in communion with the bishop and his group of priests they serve in the diaconate of the liturgy, of the word, and of charity to the people of God. It is the duty of the deacon, according as it shall have been assigned to him by competent authority, to administer baptism solemnly, to be custodian and dispenser of the Eucharist, to assist at and bless marriages in the name of the Church, to bring Viaticum to the dying, to read the Sacred Scripture to the faithful, to instruct and exhort the people, to preside over the worship and prayer of the faithful, to administer sacramentals, to officiate at funeral and burial services. Dedicated to duties of charity and of administration, let deacons be mindful of the admonition of Blessed Polycarp: "Be merciful, diligent, walking according to the truth of the Lord, who became the servant of all."
The Ordinandi to the Diaconate are:
Luis Manuel Rodarte Jr, a 32-year-old native of El Paso, has embarked on an extraordinary journey towards his diaconate ordination. His path, once rooted in academia and medicine, shifted as he answered a divine call to serve God and His people. Luis underwent rigorous theological studies at St. Mary's Seminary in Houston and St. John's Seminary in Camarillo, CA, solidifying his commitment to his new vocation.
Alexander "Askee" Gutierrez Rodriguez, a 29-year-old hailing from Venezuela, brings the spirit of faith, community, and service to his diaconate journey. Dedicated to prayer and study over the past nine years, Askee's profound connection to his calling shines through his humility and joy. His decision to become a deacon embodies his love for God, the Church, and all of humanity.
Anwar Camarena, originally from Guadalajara, Mexico, has followed a transformative path to the diaconate. His priestly formation took him to various seminaries, including St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in El Paso and St. John's Seminary in California. Anwar's unwavering faith and dedication have guided him to this significant moment of diaconate ordination. He eagerly anticipates embracing the diverse ministries offered by the Diocese of El Paso.
The ordination ceremony will be presided over by Bishop Mark Seitz, a guiding figure who has played a pivotal role in mentoring and supporting these aspiring deacons throughout their discernment journey. Bishop Seitz expressed his anticipation for the ceremony, stating, "The ordination to the diaconate is a joyful moment for our diocese. These three seminarians have demonstrated their unyielding commitment to their faith and their unwavering dedication to serving God's people. We rejoice in welcoming them into this sacred order.”