On April 14, Auxiliary Bishop Arturo Cepeda ordained Deacons Derik Peterman (left), John McKenzie (second right) and Adam Nowak (right) at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. Second left is Msgr. Todd Lajiness, Sacred Heart’s rector. (Tim Fuller | Courtesy of Sacred Heart Major Seminary)Auxiliary Bishop Arturo Cepeda ordained Deacons Adam Nowak, John McKenzie and Derik Peterman as friends, family and fellow seminarians were on hand to witness during a special Mass at the seminary’s chapel.
The three new deacons are in their third year studying theology at Sacred Heart; if all goes well, they will be ordained priests for the Archdiocese of Detroit at Pentecost 2019.
The unofficial title of “transitional” deacon does not differ from the traditional office of deacon — the three are now invested in holy orders and can baptize, officiate at weddings and funerals, deliver homilies and preach the Gospel at Mass. Usually, transitional deacons serve parish internships as they complete their final year of seminary studies.
Deacon Nowak hails from St. Cyprian Parish in Riverview; Deacon McKenzie is from St. Louise de Marillac Parish in Warren; and Deacon Peterman is from St. Mary, Cause of Our Joy Parish in Westland.
