Rosenmeyer ordained transitional deacon
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June 11, 2024
Algona Divine Mercy parishioner Jacob Rosenmeyer was ordained to the transitional diaconate June 1 by Bishop Walker Nickless at the Sioux City Cathedral of the Epiphany. Rosenmeyer is a seminarian studying at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary near St. Louis, Missouri.
“Jacob, my son, now you are ready to be ordained a deacon,” Bishop Nickless addressed the seminarian in his homily. “God is so good and also persistent. In the words of your dad, ‘It’s about time.’”
The bishop thanked Richard and Joyce Rosenmeyer, the seminarian’s parents, for their support of their son in his formation for holy orders.
“Parents have a special gift to want the best for their child. Richard and Joyce prayed for God’s will to be done in your life,” Bishop Nickless addressed the seminarian and his parents.
The bishop pointed out that vocations “only come from families and parish communities who pray” for laborers for the harvest.
Rosenmeyer received support from his family, St. Michael Church in Whittemore, Divine Mercy Parish, Algona Bishop Garrigan High School, Sisters of St. Francis, Briar Cliff University and formators at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary and others, the bishop noted.
Bishop Nickless acknowledged he was aware that Rosenmeyer was praying for his seminary classmates Levi James of the Diocese of Belleville (Illinois) and Carson Haupt of the Diocese of Dodge City (Kansas) who were being ordained to the transitional diaconate at the same time in their home dioceses.
“Jake, as a deacon, you are called to give your life in service to the church,” the bishop pointed out. “As the Catechism reminds us, ‘deacons are to be configured to Christ, who is servant of all.’”
Deacons are to assist in divine worship, pastoral care and charity, the bishop continued and gave advice to the seminarian who would be ordained at the Mass.
“Be effective and gentle in ministry and constant in prayer. I have seen these qualities grow and mature in you…I know that God has been intimately involved in your life. He continues to form you and mold you into a holy man,” Bishop Nickless said.
As part of the ordination promises, the bishop explained that Rosenmeyer will promise to be of humble service to others and pray the Liturgy of the Hours each day for the people of God. Also, his words and actions should be a witness to others of his faith in God.
“You also commit to lifelong celibacy as a sign of the dedication of your life to Christ for the sake of the Kingdom and a sign to all of total commitment to the only one who matters, Jesus Christ. He is your one and only love,” Bishop Nickless explained.
Reflecting upon the second reading of the Mass from Acts 8, the bishop pointed out that Philip spent time with the Ethiopian eunuch to share the faith with him and then “led him to baptism by his care and concern. May you do the same.”
“Jake, hear the words of the Lord speaking to you, ‘Go on your way, carry not but the Lord but bring peace, true peace to others,’” the bishop said. “We need you, Jake. The church needs you. Thank you for saying yes to the Lord.”
The rite
As part of the rite of ordination for a deacon, Bishop Nickless said Rosenmeyer, with the gift of the Holy Spirit, will assist bishops and priests “in the ministries of the word, of the altar and of charity, showing himself to be a servant of all.”
His diaconal ministry will include proclaiming the Gospel at Mass, preparing the altar for Mass presiders and assisting in distribution of Communion. Rosenmeyer will also instruct in what the church teaches, “preside over public prayer,” baptize, assist with marriages and funeral rites and “bring viaticum to the dying.”
The laying on of hands marks the consecration of Rosenmeyer to the order of deacon, the rite explains.
“And so, as a deacon, that is as a minister of Jesus Christ, who appeared in the midst of the disciples as one who serves, do the will of God in charity from the heart; serve others with joy as you would serve the Lord,” the bishop prayed during the rite.
Rosenmeyer then made the promises of the elect, answering a series of questions from Bishop Nickless, including a promise of respect and obedience to the bishop and his successors. During the litany of supplication, Rosenmeyer prostrated in prayer in front of the altar as the Litany of Saints was chanted.
The seminarian again approached the bishop and knelt in anticipation of bishop’s silent prayer of ordination for him, followed by the prayer of consecration.
“Send forth the Holy Spirit upon him, O Lord, we pray, that he may be strengthened by the gift of your sevenfold grace to carry out faithfully the work of the ministry,” Bishop Nickless prayed.
Deacon Rosenmeyer was then vested with a deacon’s stole and dalmatic by Deacon Bill Black of Divine Mercy Parish. Following the investiture, the newly-ordained again knelt before the bishop to receive the book of Gospels.
Deacon Bill Black vests Deacon Rosenmeyer“Receive the Gospel of Christ, whose herald you have become. Believe what you read, teach what you believe and practice what you teach,” Bishop Nickless said as he placed the book of Gospel’s in the deacon’s hands.
The bishop shared the sign of peace/kiss of peace with Deacon Rosenmeyer. The new deacon then received the sign of peace from the deacons at the Mass.
Now an ordained minister, Deacon Rosenmeyer prepared the altar at the ordination Mass, assisted by Deacon Bruce Chartier of Cathedral Parish. Deacon Rosenmeyer also served as a minister of the precious blood for the Mass.
In the concluding rite, Bishop Nickless offered a blessing over the newly-ordained deacon:
“May God who has called you to the service of others in his church, give you great zeal for all, especially the afflicted and the poor.
“May he, who has entrusted you with preaching the Gospel of Christ, help you, as you live according to his word, to be its sincere and fervent witness.
“May he, who has appointed you a steward of his mysteries, make you an imitator of his son, Jesus Christ and a minister of unity and peace in the world.”
