From left, Jeff Camacho, Rosiky Camacho, Bishop Ryan Jimenez, Tom Schweiger, Tony Yarobwemal and Stan Benavente.
FIVE years ago, on April 7, 2018, the people of the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa witnessed the Diaconal Ordination of Estanislao Kogure Benavente, Jeffrey Melvin Tenorio Camacho, Rosiky Bernadino Flores Camacho, Thomas Schweiger and Antonio Yarobwemal.
The Diaconal Ordination is the fruit of what was started in 2014 when the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa launched the Lay Ministry Program coordinated by Rev. Fr. Ken Hezel, thanks to the assistance of Catholic Extension.
That program eventually evolved into the diaconal program. Along with Fr. Ken, other priests like Rev. Fr. James Balajadia, Rev. Fr. Ike Ayuyu and Sr. MaryAnn Hartmann, MMB also assisted in the formation of the permanent deacons.
“The five of you will commit yourselves to the Ministry of Proclaiming the Good News,” Most Rev. Bishop Ryan Jimenez said on their Ordination Day, April 7, 2018.
The deacons have been assisting the bishop and the priests in the Ministry of the Word of God, the Ministry of the Altar and of Charity, putting themselves at the services of the Church. They also have been leading the community in public prayers, administer the Sacrament of Baptism. Furthermore, they also have been assisting with the Sacrament of Matrimony, doing Communion Services and conducting Funeral Rites.
They have been adjusting to the changes and challenges during these past five years. However, it was not that easy because all of them are also working in the corporate world. They are overwhelmed with their families, their jobs, and their Diaconal obligation. In spite of all these, they are all very happy because they know that the Holy Spirit is guiding them along the way especially with the preparation of their homilies. Please remember them in your prayers and the rest of the clergy especially Bishop Ryan Jimenez.
Bishop Ryan reminded the deacons’ wives that “by supporting your husbands in their work for the church, you are supporting the church, our diocese and our community.”
The deacons’ second assignment are based on the Diocesan Clusters:
Deacon Estanislao Kogure Benavente is assigned to San Antonio Parish (cluster with St. Jude Parish), Deacon Jeffrey Melvin Tenorio Camacho is assigned to Kristo Rai Parish (cluster with Santa Remedios Parish in Tanapag and San Roque Parish), Deacon Rosiky Bernadino Flores Camacho is assigned to Mt. Carmel Cathedral (cluster with San Jose Parish), Deacon Thomas Schweiger is assigned to Santa Remedios Parish in Tanapag (cluster with Kristo Rai Parish and San Roque Parish) and Deacon Antonio Yarobwemal is assigned to St. Jude Parish (cluster with San Antonio Parish).
Prayer for our deacons
“Heavenly Father, since the time of the Apostles you have inspired the church to commission certain members to assist in a special way in the pastoral mission of Christ. Bless our deacons that they may be humble and faith-inspired in their services. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.”
Congratulations Deacons Stan, Jeff, Rosiky, Tom and Tony on the fifth year of your Diaconal Ministry!
