Transitional Deacons Ordained

My Dear Brothers and Sisters,

May the grace and peace of our risen Lord be with all of you on this Fifth Sunday of Easter. 

Yesterday I had the privilege of concelebrating the ordination Mass for the newest transitional deacons in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis at the Basilica of St. Mary on the other side of the river.

One of our native sons, the now-Reverend Mr. John Rumpza (pictured at right), was ordained and made solemn promises of chastity, simplicity, and obedience to Archbishop Bernard Hebda and his successors. I wish to congratulate the new Deacon John, as well as his parents, Michael and Anne, and the entire Rumpza family. 

But that’s not all: the now-Reverend Mr. Will Kratt (pictured in the middle) was also ordained a deacon for the Archdiocese. Deacon Will was assigned Nativity as his teaching parish when he began his graduate seminary studies, and it’s been my honor and pleasure to assist in his formation as his teaching parish pastor. Congratulations, Deacon Will!

May God continue to bless them both as they continue to pursue God’s will and their vocations to the priesthood of almighty God. Their ordinations to the priesthood are now scheduled for one year from now, God willing.

Just last weekend we celebrated World Day of Prayer for Vocations. And this weekend we have two living, breathing answers to those prayers. Thanks be to God!

And may God bless your week.

Fr. Patrick Hipwell, pastor

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This first appeared in the May 15, 2022 parish bulletin.
Photo by Hazel Jordan and courtesy of the St. Paul Seminary.