By Alfonso Aguilar
HERALD Staff Writer
(From the issue of 6/10/04)

Four men were ordained transitional deacons by Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde during a Mass celebrated at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington last Saturday.

The new deacons are Ramón Augusto Báez, Andrew John Heintz, James Robert Searby and Edward Vincent Spinelli.

Father Brian G. Bashista, director of the Office of Vocations, presented the candidates to Bishop Loverde following the Rite of Ordination.

"Most reverent Father, Holy Mother Church asks you to ordain these men, our brothers for service as deacons," said Father Bashista.

Bishop Loverde then asked Father Bashista if he judged the men to be worthy.

"After inquiry among the people of Christ and upon recommendations of those concerned with their training, I testify that they have been found worthy," answered Father Bashista.

Then Bishop Loverde, accompanied by many diocesan priests, relatives and friends of the new deacons, accepted the candidates and confirmed their entrance to the office of deacon. To symbolize this entrance they each received stole and a dalmatic.

Fathers Paul deLadurantaye, John F. Heisler and Richard Mullins, and Brother David Eddy served as masters of ceremonies. As in previous ordinations, new deacons and their families and friends joined the bishop for a reception at Burke Hall in the cathedral.

In addition to these four new deacons, Bishop Loverde also announced that deacon Agustine Minh-Hai Tran, the Deacon of the Word during the Mass, will be ordained a priest June 12 at the cathedral.

"It was a great day for our diocese. The new and wonderful deacons have a sincere desire to serve the church," said Father Bashista.