The sacristy at All Saints Church in Manassas was empty just
before the 11:30 Mass Jan. 18, save for two men. Father
Joseph Goldsmith, a priest of the Richmond Diocese, and his
father, newly ordained Deacon Rafael “Ralph” Goldsmith, were
vesting for Deacon Goldsmith’s first Mass as a permanent
deacon.
“What a special moment,” said Deacon Goldsmith. “It’s
(wonderful) to be called to serve.”
His son, Father Joseph, added “It’s a great joy – and
humbling.”
Father Lee R. Roos, pastor, joined the two men, vested and
walked to the front of the church in preparation for the
historic parish event.
“We welcome Father Joseph and congratulate Deacon Ralph,”
Father Roos said before the Mass began.
For his first homily, Deacon Goldsmith walked to the front of
the altar and began his sermon, not behind the pulpit, but
pacing the altar, using humor to make his points.
His homily was on the theme “Speak Lord, your servant is
listening.” God wants us to pay attention to His call.
After Mass, and before dismissal, Father Goldsmith spoke to
the congregation. He said that he and his father wondered how
the two should be addressed in the family. They came up with
“Father Son, Deacon Dad.”
Father Goldsmith, parochial vicar of Blessed Sacrament Church
in Harrisonburg, spoke of the two vocations in the family,
gently chiding his father, “Some got there sooner, Dad.”
At the reception that followed the Mass, well-wishers waited
in line to congratulate the new deacon. Bruce Koeppel
embraced the deacon, his friend of 20 years.
“It’s a blessing for the community,” Koeppel said.
Father Roos also noted the event’s importance to the parish.
“This is a great day of blessing for the All Saints parish
and for the deacons who serve in so many ways to help spread
the message of Jesus through their service of charity and
preaching,” said Father Roos.
All Saints Church was blessed with two diaconate ordinations;
Deacon James R. Van de Voorde also was ordained Jan. 17 at
the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington by Arlington
Bishop Paul S. Loverde.
After Deacon Goldsmith’s wife, Mary Alice, welcomed friends
and families at the reception, she wiped away a tear talking
about the emotional event.
“It’s my birthday, too,” she said. “I’m blessed by God.
