Bishop Eckman to Ordain Three as Transitional Deacons

PITTSBURGH –Auxiliary Bishop Mark A. Eckman will ordain three seminarians as transitional deacons in the presence of Bishop David Zubik Saturday, June 4 at 10 a.m., Saint Therese Church of Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish, 1 Saint Therese Court, Munhall.  Auxiliary Bishop William Waltersheid also will attend, as well as Archabbot Martin de Porres Bartel of Saint Vincent Archabbey, chancellor of Saint Vincent College and of Saint Vincent Seminary, Latrobe.

Reception will immediately follow in the Saint Therese cafeteria. 
The transitional diaconate is the final step before ordination to the priesthood next year.

The three men, all in their final year of preparing for the priesthood are: Jacob H. Gruber at Theological College and the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC; Daniel J. D’Antonio and Thomas G. Kadlick at Saint Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, PA.

Their biographical sketches follow.

“These men have prepared well and are ready to serve the people of God as transitional deacons,” Bishop David Zubik said. “I am excited to see the ways in which they will vibrantly share the faith and love of Jesus with others as they prepare to be ordained as priests.”

Transitional deacons are men who are in their final stages of preparation for the Catholic priesthood. They have spent at least six years in priestly formation, which includes academic studies in philosophy and theology, growth in virtue and a life of prayer and immersion in service work in the community, among other things.

Catholic deacons are ordained for two primary roles: service at the altar in the celebration of the sacraments and works of charity in the community. Deacons assist the priest and can preach the homily at Mass; they can baptize and can celebrate weddings and funerals that do not take place during Mass. Deacons cannot hear confessions nor can they anoint those who are sick. Through works of charity, deacons serve at soup kitchens and food banks, visit the elderly and infirm in personal care homes, visit those in prison and lead programs such as Bible studies at their parishes.

Daniel James D’Antonio
Immaculate Heart of Mary, Polish Hill
Third Year Theology - Saint Vincent Seminary
Daniel D’Antonio graduated from West Mifflin Area High School in 1996.  He went on to attend the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business.  In the fall of 2017 Daniel was accepted into the priestly formation program.  After completing his pre-theology studies at Saint Paul Seminary, Daniel was then assigned to begin theological studies at Saint Vincent Seminary, Latrobe, PA in August 2018.  Following his second year of theology Daniel was assigned to the parish of Saint Thomas the Apostle, (Duquesne, Homestead, Munhall, West Mifflin, Whitaker) for his pastoral year assignment.

Jacob Henry Gruber
Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish
Third Year Theology -Theological College
Jacob Gruber graduated from Baldwin High School, Pittsburgh in 2013.  He went on to attend Robert Morris University, Moon Township. In the fall of 2014 Jacob was accepted into the priestly formation program and began studies at Saint Paul Seminary and Duquesne University.  After completing two years of pre-theology studies, Jacob was assigned to begin theological studies at Theological College and the Catholic University of America, Washington, DC.  Following his second year of theology Jacob was assigned to the parishes of Holy Trinity, Robinson Township; Saint John of God Parish, McKees Rocks; and Saint Malachy Parish, Kennedy for his pastoral year assignment.

Thomas Glynn Kadlick
Our Lady of the Lakes Parish, Bairdford
Third Year Theology - Saint Vincent Seminary
Thomas Kadlick graduated from Deer Lakes High School in 2013.  He went on to study Secondary Education English/Special Education at Point Park University. In the spring of 2017 Thomas was accepted into the priestly formation program and began studies at Saint Paul Seminary and Duquesne University.  After completing two years of pre-theology studies, Thomas was then assigned to begin theological studies at Saint Vincent Seminary, Latrobe.  Following his second year of theology Thomas was assigned to Saint Andrew the Apostle Parish, (Charleroi, Donora, Monongahela) for his pastoral year assignment.