Bishop Michael F. Burbidge ordained five men to the permanent diaconate at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington Jan. 28. The newly ordained are: Deacons Linus J. Barloon II, Marvin J. Muhat, Robin W. Sardegna, Mark S. Sobczynski and Mark C. Voorheis.
In his homily, Bishop Burbidge praised the men for their dedication, holiness and joy. “May you go forth this day and imitate the sacrificial love and humble service of Jesus,” he told them. “May you effectively and compassionately preach his word. May you draw ever closer to Mary, our mother, and in your deep intimate relationship with the Lord, so that you will be able to travel lightly each day in ministry, find your joy in the Lord and radiate that gift to others today and always.”
Permanent deacons proclaim the Gospel, preach, witness marriages and conduct funeral services in addition to other ministries as needed, such as visiting the sick or preparing couples for marriage. A deacon may be celibate or married, but if his wife dies, he cannot remarry without special permission, according to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The Arlington diocese has 10 men in aspirancy for the permanent diaconate.
At the ordination, the five candidates first sat in the pews with their families before being called to the sanctuary. The men made the promises of the elect and the bishop laid his hands on each of them before saying the prayer of ordination. The newly ordained deacons knelt before Bishop Burbidge and received the book of the Gospels. Priests and deacons then greeted the men with an embrace known as the fraternal kiss.
During the investiture, the newly ordained deacons put on a stole and dalmatic with the help of a close friend among the clergy. Father James S. Barkett, pastor of St. Mary of Sorrows Church in Fairfax, served as a spiritual director for Deacon Muhat for several years and assisted him.
“He’s going to make a very good deacon first and foremost because he’s very grounded in his vocation of marriage and in his faith. He has the desire to serve the Lord and love him,” said Father Barkett. “He’s a very gentle, kind man who is always willing to be give of his time. He desires to see the good in others and to work for that good, and he’s always willing to show by service how important the other person is.”
Deacon Barloon, a parishioner of Holy Trinity Church in Gainesville, will serve at his parish. He and his wife, Rhonda, have five children and four grandchildren.
Deacon Muhat, a parishioner of St. John the Beloved Church in McLean, will serve at St. James Church in Falls Church. He and his wife, Ruth Grace, have two children.
Deacon Sardegna, a parishioner of St. Philip in Falls Church, will serve at his parish. He and his wife, Maria, have two children.
Deacon Sobczynski, a parishioner of St. Andrew the Apostle Church in Clifton, will serve at his parish.
Deacon Voorheis, a parishioner of St. John the Apostle Church in Leesburg, will serve at his parish. He and his wife, Erin, have four children.
After the Mass, the deacons and their families and friends gathered in the parish hall for a reception. Deacon Sardegna said it was a surreal experience to be ordained after years of discernment and formation. The most meaningful part of the ordination for him was hearing the litany of saints being sung as he and the other men laid prostrate before the altar. “I was just letting it wash over me and imagining the saints praying for me,” he said. “I’m looking forward to preaching and teaching RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) and whatever else the Lord and the pastor have in store for me.”
This story has been updated.
