Newly ordained permanent deacons are serving with Christ’s heart #Catholic – 
In Scripture, the number 40 is far more than a measure of time. It signifies a sacred season of prayer, preparation, testing, transformation, and new beginnings. Noah witnessed 40 days of rain before the Earth was renewed. Moses spent 40 days on Mount Sinai before receiving the Law. The Israelites wandered for 40 years before entering the Promised Land. Jesus fasted for 40 days in the desert before beginning his public ministry. After his resurrection, Christ remained with his disciples for 40 days before his ascension, preparing them to continue his mission.
As I reflected on the first 40 days after our ordination to the permanent diaconate on May 30, I invited my brother deacons from my ordination class to share their experiences. Together, our reflections revealed a beautiful truth: although our ministries differ, our calling is the same — to serve with the heart of Jesus Christ.
Contributors to this column are Deacon Elmer Lopez Maximo of Sacred Heart Parish in Rockaway, N.J.; Deacon Stephen Deehan of St. Luke Parish in the Long Valley neighborhood of Washington Township, N.J.; Deacon Paul DePinto of St. Joseph Parish in Lincoln Park, N.J.; Deacon Timothy Dunmyer of St. Jude Parish in Hopatcong, N.J.; Deacon James Gillespie of St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Mountain Lakes, N.J.; Deacon Tobi Ippolito of Holy Family Parish in Florham Park, N.J.; Deacon Tom Kimble of St. Jude Parish in the Budd Lake neighborhood of Mount Olive Township, N.J.; and Deacon Gregory Marchesi of St. Therese Parish in the Succasunna neighborhood of Roxbury Township, N.J.
Living the Gospel Through Service
The transition from ordination to ministry happened almost immediately. The joy of ordination quickly gave way to the privilege of serving God’s people.
Many of us began preaching within days of our ordination, and we regularly proclaim the Gospel in our respective parishes.
Baptism has been one of the greatest joys of our new ministry. Deacon Kimble’s very first baptism was his grandson Tommy’s into the Church. Deacons Gillespie, DePinto, Marchesi, Ippolito, and Deehan had the privilege of celebrating baptisms in the first weeks of ministry.
I was blessed to celebrate my first baptism on the Feast of St. Benedict. Watching a child become a son of God while an entire family renewed their faith made the celebration memorable.
Our ministry has brought us joys and sorrows. Some celebrated, assisted or preached at weddings. Deacon DePinto blessed two couples celebrating their 60th wedding anniversaries, a beautiful witness to the enduring grace of Christian marriage. They also have presided over funeral vigils, assisted at funeral Masses, and conducted their first committal services.
Deacon Deehan said he blesses at least one person every day, seeing each blessing as an opportunity to renew hearts and strengthen faith. The new deacons have also blessed homes, religious articles, parishioners after Mass, and individuals asking for prayers.
The deacons have found that some of the most meaningful moments happen quietly, accompanying Christ’s people in hospital rooms, parish meetings, Eucharistic adoration, holy hours, conversations after Mass, and simple encounters with people seeking encouragement.
Moments That Will Stay With Us
When I asked my classmates about their most memorable experiences so far, their responses reminded me that ministry is never about numbers; it is always about people served by Christ.
Deacon Marchesi said that moment was when he preached his first homily, with his father present. Deacon DePinto said it was the overwhelming gratitude parishioners expressed after his first homily, thanking him for answering God’s call.
Deacon Dunmyer recalls Trinity Sunday, when he delivered his first Sunday homily and realized that years of prayer, discernment, and formation had become a living reality.
Deacon Deehan finds his greatest joy in witnessing lives renewed through simple, faithful presence at St. Luke’s. He said, “The best thing I find that I do is re-energizing people’s faith through my commitment to them through God.”
I had the privilege of preaching at my pastor’s farewell Mass before his transfer to another parish. That day, I realized that a deacon is often invited into the holiest moments of people’s lives, not to be the center of attention but to help others encounter Christ.
What We Are Learning
Although each of us serves in different parishes and ministries, our reflections reveal remarkable unity. Deacon Kimble said deacons receive the grace of Holy Orders to share the Good News more effectively. Deacon Marchesi said, “Being a deacon is a humbling ministry.”
Deacon DePinto reflected, “A deacon is a humble servant,” striving each day to follow Christ in both word and example. Deacon Ippolito said being a deacon involves “service to others in the name of Jesus.”
Deacon Dunmyer admitted that he still has much to learn and prays for the wisdom to serve God’s people. Deacon Gillespie said, “Being a deacon means that I will be in a ministry of service, meeting the needs of my parish, community, and the diocese.”
Deacon Deehan said that through a deacon’s compassionate presence, attentive listening, and faithful accompaniment, God often brings people back to the Church one encounter at a time.
One of the greatest blessings of these first 40 days has been realizing that ordination did not mark the end of our journey together; it marked the beginning of a lifelong fraternity — a brotherhood in Christ, strengthening one another. We gather weekly on Zoom to pray, make sure we see each other at family gatherings and diocesan events, and have monthly dinners with our wives and families.
Looking Ahead
These first 40 days have taught us that a deacon’s ministry is measured not by statistics but by faithfulness. Whether preaching to a full church, baptizing a child, blessing couples celebrating 60 years of marriage, comforting grieving families, accompanying hospital patients, or quietly praying with someone after Mass, each act of service becomes an opportunity to make Christ present.
We remain grateful to Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, our pastors, formation directors, mentors, families, and parish communities, whose prayers continue to sustain us. Above all, we thank God for the gift of Holy Orders and the privilege of serving His Church.
Our prayer is that the Lord will continue to form our hearts after His own, so that in every word we proclaim, every person we accompany, and every act of charity we perform, others may encounter not us but Jesus Christ, the Servant of all. That is the final lesson of these first 40 days: our ministry is meant to lead others to Christ.
– In Scripture, the number 40 is far more than a measure of time. It signifies a sacred season of prayer, preparation, testing, transformation, and new beginnings. Noah witnessed 40 days of rain before the Earth was renewed. Moses spent 40 days on Mount Sinai before receiving the Law. The Israelites wandered for 40 years before entering the Promised Land. Jesus fasted for 40 days in the desert before beginning his public ministry. After his resurrection, Christ remained with his disciples for 40 days before his ascension, preparing them to continue his mission. As I reflected on the first 40 days
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![2 historic churches in Mexico City reopen almost 9 years after earthquake damage #Catholic Almost nine years after the earthquakes that shook central and southwestern Mexico in September 2017, St. John of God Church and Holy True Cross Church, both located in Mexico City, have reopened their doors for worship.On July 8, a Mass was celebrated at Holy Cross Church, marking the communityʼs return to their church and concluding a lengthy restoration process.
Start of the reopening Mass at Holy Cross Parish. | Credit: Holy True Cross Parish, Mexico City
The earthquakes of Sept. 7 and 19, 2017, resulted in 468 deaths and caused damage to thousands of buildings.In Mexico City alone, around 160 Catholic churches suffered structural damage of varying severity such as these two churches located just a short distance apart.
Restoration work at the Holy True Cross Parish. | Credit: Holy True Cross Parish, Mexico City
5 centuries of historyHoly True Cross Church is considered one of the oldest churches in the country.According to tradition, the explorer and conquistador Hernán Cortés ordered the construction of a small chapel to commemorate the landing of the Spanish expedition at the port of what is now known as the state of Veracruz. Over time, that chapel gave rise to the parish as it is known today.Facebook postThe church also houses important works of sacred art, such as the Christ of the Seven Veils, which is said to have been a gift from Pope Paul III to King Carlos V of Spain. Additionally, a relic of the true cross is preserved there, considered by Christian tradition to be a fragment of the cross on which Jesus Christ died.
Reliquary containing a splinter of the true cross. | Credit: “EWTN Noticias”
In an interview with ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News, Father Juan Carlos Guerrero Ugalde, the pastor of Holy True Cross and St. John of God, stated that restoring the churches was a priority of “not only ecclesiastical but also civic interest.”“This church [Holy True Cross] was the third parish established in the city and, therefore, holds a tradition of faith dating back to the 16th century,” he explained.9 years to returnGuerrero described the restoration process as “meticulous and slow” due to the complexity of the damage.Among other measures, the bell towers, which were at risk of collapse, were reinforced, cracks were repaired, the hydraulic piles supporting both structures were serviced, the roofs were waterproofed, and work was carried out to correct the effects of the ground settling.Facebook postThe work was overseen by the National Institute of Anthropology and History, as both buildings are part of the nationʼs historical heritage.In Mexico, religious buildings constructed prior to the 1992 constitutional reforms are state property, although they remain places of worship and are used by religious associations.The restoration of the Holy True Cross church faced an additional challenge: a fire in August 2020 caused by individuals living on the street. Reports indicate that a campfire spiraled out of control, damaging the choir loft, the dome, and sacred art.Today, those walking through the historic central part of Mexico City can once again enter the church. Marcela Eduardo, who works in the area and took a moment of free time to stop in and pray, did just that.“It brought me great joy to see it open and to see that repairs are underway,” she noted in an interview with ACI Prensa. She said that when she saw the parish church open, her first thought was to go in to see Christ and “greet him, make the sign of the cross, and ask him for something: that he give me more energy.” Much more than a churchThese churches are surrounded by some of Mexico’s most important cultural landmarks, such as the Franz Mayer Museum, the Palace of Fine Arts, and the Alameda Central, a large city park.
Visible in the background of the photo are the Torre Latinoamericana, the Palace of Fine Arts, and part of the Alameda Central. | Credit: “EWTN Noticias”
Although Holy True Cross and St. John of God churches might go unnoticed by some tourists amid so many other buildings, Guerrero noted that their value has been “significant for both the faith and the city.”He explained that, following the 1985 earthquake, the area welcomed numerous families from various places, necessitating the construction of a new community identity. Pastoral work at the time “consisted of gradually integrating the way of life of longtime residents and that of those who were newly arriving.”Over the years, he added, violence, drug trafficking, and social breakdown affected life in the neighborhood, making the Church’s presence even more necessary.Facebook postFor Betsabé Jara, who visited the church after touring the Franz Mayer Museum, the reopening represents an opportunity to regain a place for encountering God.“It brings peace of mind that the church is open, that one can enter and pray. Especially for people who couldnʼt go elsewhere because there wasnʼt a church nearby,” she said in an interview with ACI Prensa.Building the communityThe priest noted that reactivating community life will be the next challenge. He explained that a “call has already gone out to neighborhood residents to come for formation as pastoral workers.”
Interior of Holy True Cross Church. | Credit: “EWTN Noticias”
He also noted that they aim to develop social programs such as job training for individuals who did not complete their formal education as well as cultural initiatives in collaboration with nearby museums.“We want the spaces we have in both churches to be truly utilized and filled with formation programs,” Guerrero said.As the community gradually restores life to these churches, Masses are currently held regularly on Sundays, whereas weekday Masses take place only upon the request of the faithful.This story was first published by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.](https://unitedyam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2-historic-churches-in-mexico-city-reopen-almost-9-years-after-earthquake-damage-catholic-almost-nine-years-after-the-earthquakes-that-shook-central-and-southwestern-mexico-in-september-2017-st-joh.jpg)
![BBC correspondent David Willey, longtime Vatican and papal chronicler, dies at 93 - #Catholic - David Willey, a BBC correspondent whose career in Rome spanned more than 50 years and five papacies, died July 11 in Italy at the age of 93.From being a student taking in the pomp of Pope Pius XII carried in a ceremonial throne to traveling the world with St. John Paul II to writing about the changes brought by Pope Francis, Willey saw “a complete revolution so that people saw the pope much more as a personality rather than in a hierarchical sense,” the journalist told EWTN News at his home in February.Catholic backgroundDavid Douglas Willey was born in High Wycombe, in the county of Buckinghamshire, northwest of London, in December 1932. He grew up Catholic in nearby Marlow.Willey’s first experience of Rome was a visit as a student, when he witnessed Pope Pius XII being carried through crowds in a gestatorial chair. “For me, the Vatican, St. Peter’s in Rome, was a spectacle, it was almost operatic,” he noted.After studying law and modern languages at Cambridge, he moved to Rome as a trainee for Reuters.He then left for stints in Algeria as a freelancer and subsequently East Africa as a correspondent for BBC. He also reported from Asia, including Saigon and Beijing, and then spent some time in London as the BBC’s assistant diplomatic correspondent.He returned to Italy as BBC’s Rome correspondent in 1972 — and he never left.
David Willey, who died July 11, 2026, served as a BBC correspondent in Rome starting in 1972. He is seen here standing on a street in 1980. | Credit: Photo courtesy of BBC
“I never imagined I would be covering the Vatican [as a] correspondent when I was an altar boy at St. Peter’s Church in Marlow,” he said.Willey explained that he no longer practiced the Catholic faith of his childhood but that he had “the greatest respect for the Catholic religion.”His reporting on the Vatican was through this lens. “I always treated reporting for the Vatican as a secular matter rather than a religious one,” he said, adding that he still found “inspiration and pleasure in covering Vatican affairs” because he thought the pope and the Church had an important message in a world “torn by war and discord.”Lengthy Rome careerDuring his more than five decades covering Rome and the Vatican, Willey witnessed dramatic technological changes both to journalism and to the Vatican’s own operations and communication.Two episodes from his early days in Rome illustrate this, including a call to the Vatican switchboard asking to be connected to a cardinal.He was immediately put through to Cardinal Agostino Casaroli, who would later become the pope’s No. 2 as the Vatican secretary of state.“An important cardinal in the Vatican because he dealt with what was called the Ostpolitik, the Vaticanʼs policy towards Eastern Europe, communist Eastern Europe, during the years of the Cold War,” Willey said, noting that he asked to speak and the cardinal invited him that very afternoon to his “palatial” apartment for what would become a three-and-a-half-hour conversation.Willey recalled how, while a Reuters apprentice in the 1950s, international news agencies would pay a Vatican official for information. Once, on Easter Sunday, he was sent to wait at a bar close to the Vatican to pick up a text of the pope’s “urbi et orbi” blessing.“That was how the system worked. The changes wrought by Vatican II were extraordinary in the sense that a whole department was set up in the Vatican dealing with relations with the media,” he noted.During the pontificate of St. John Paul II, Willey joined the Polish pope on at least 40 of his international trips, nearly half of the jet-setting pope’s total apostolic journeys.“We went all over the world,” Willey noted. “It added to my knowledge of the world immeasurably, but it also enabled me to see the Catholic Church as an international, worldwide body of believers, which you donʼt always understand when you live here in Europe or in Rome in particular.”Veering from the prevailing idea that the faithful should come to see the pope in Rome, John Paul II went out “to meet his flock in person. And he did this with great panache,” the British journalist said.“And by allowing journalists like me to join him on the papal plane; one day, for example, I found him sitting next to me at breakfast on the plane,” Willey recalled. “He used to get bored during his very long journeys across the Atlantic or Pacific Oceans and he mingled with the journalists and sat down and actually talked to them.”“I remember talking to him once about the usefulness of the United Nations, for example. He had some quite interesting things to say.”Willey said he also had a memorable encounter with another living saint — Mother Teresa of Calcutta.One day he rang up the Sisters of Charity in Rome to ask if he could interview Mother Teresa and was told they could arrange a meeting at the airport, in between her landing in Rome from India and before she would immediately depart again for Canada.“We sat down together, and she was, I must say, great fun,” Willey recalled. “We had a very lively conversation in which she confided all sorts of little secrets to me, such as I said, ‘What do you do when you normally arrive in a new country?’ ‘Oh,’ she said, ‘I go to the local phone box and call up the head of state and ask him to send a car to meet me. I ring up the pope and he sends me a car.’”“She was this combination of extreme saintliness and piety — and of course her work among the poor in India was completely a subject of which she was prepared to talk endlessly — but what I found was her sense of fun and her sense that the world was completely open to her,” the journalist said.In 2003, Willey was appointed an officer of the Order of the British Empire for services to broadcast journalism.He wrote several books, including “God’s Politician,” a 1992 biography of John Paul II’s global impact. He also wrote about the start of Pope Francis’ pontificate in “The Promise of Francis: The Man, the Pope, and the Challenge of Change” in 2015.Willey continued to be active into his 90s — including writing a final reflection on the Vatican following Pope Francis’ death in April 2025. Willey spent his final years in the quiet lakeside town of Trevignano Romano, about 30 miles north of Rome. He died on July 11 from heart failure, the BBC reported.](https://unitedyam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/bbc-correspondent-david-willey-longtime-vatican-and-papal-chronicler-dies-at-93-catholic-david-willey-a-bbc-correspondent-whose-career-in-rome-spanned-more-than-50-years-and-five-papacies-die-scaled.jpg)
![Totowa parish celebrates 100 years of faith, significant growth #Catholic - On July 12, St. James of the Marches Parish in Totowa, N.J., marked 100 years of faith with a centennial Mass celebrated by Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney. The parish began with a small but strong group of faithful and has grown into a dynamic community of 800 families.
Since its inception, St. James has served the Catholic community in the area by celebrating the Eucharist, attending to those in need, and administering the sacraments to all who wish to receive them.
“For this centennial, parishioners are celebrating 100 years of people living the Catholic Christian faith as members of St. James. It’s a time for our parishioners now to become inspired by what they accomplished as they move forward, guided by the pastoral staff,” said Father Marc Mancini, who became pastor of St. James in 2019.
St. James began in 1924 when Catholics in Totowa organized under the leadership of Franciscan Friars at St. Bonaventure Parish in nearby Paterson, N.J. A mission was established on July 4, 1926, and a hall on Grant Avenue and Church Street was outfitted to accommodate Masses.
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The Franciscans named the parish after a Franciscan saint: St. James of the Marches, a noted Italian preacher from the late medieval and early Renaissance period.
In 1928, St. James built a permanent church on Totowa Road. The mission became a parish in 1945, when diocesan clergy assumed administration of St. James. The Academy of St. James of the Marches opened the following year and continues to serve local youth. A new church was built in 1955.
St. James was originally founded by Italian Americans and today welcomes an increasing number of Hispanics and Eastern Europeans who have settled in Totowa. The parish holds periodic Spanish Masses, including for Our Lady of Guadalupe, and prayer services.
Along with Father Mancini, concelebrants of the July 12 centennial Mass included Father Joseph DeMarzo III, parochial vicar of St. James, and Father Joseph Mactal, parochial vicar of St. Cecilia Parish in Rockaway, N.J., who previously served St. James. Another concelebrant, Father Paul Iovino, spent 20 years at the parish starting in 1985, retired, and recently returned to live there.
In April, St. James began centennial celebrations with a brunch featuring a talk about the parish’s history by Msgr. Raymond J. Kupke, diocesan archivist.
Centennial festivities will continue Sunday, Sept. 27, with a concert for the dedication of a new organ by Maestro Hector Olivera at 4 p.m. in the church. There is no charge, but donations will be accepted after the concert. A banquet will also be held at The Grand in Totowa on Sunday, Nov. 8.
For questions about centennial celebrations, including obtaining tickets for the organ concert, call St. James at 973-790-0288.
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
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