Deacon Baker celebrates 25th anniversary By Ann Calhoun
JACKSON — On July 11, Holy Ghost Parish recognized the 25th anniversary of Deacon Sam Baker’s ordination to the diaconate with a Jubilee Mass celebrated at 6 p.m. Bishops Joseph Latino and William Houck led the procession of clergy into the church. The Fourth Degree Knights of Peter Claver provided the honor guard. Father Richard Kalinowski, pastor of Holy Ghost, was the principal celebrant of the Mass. He was joined by several concelebrants.
Deacon Baker, a long time member of Holy Ghost, entered the diaconate program in 1979 and was ordained a permanent deacon by the late Bishop Joseph Brunini on July 11, 1982.
During his remarks at the end of the Mass, Deacon Baker spoke about his personal and spiritual journey which led to the diaconate. He thanked his wife Barbara and the audience recognized her with a standing ovation.
Dr. Roland Powell, parish council president, presented a proclamation and a gift from the parish. The Knights of Peter Claver, Court 171, and the Ladies Auxiliary recognized the special occasion by joining together for the procession into the church. The social highlight of the evening was a reception with a buffet hosted by the parish in Drexel Hall.
He was joined by several concelebrants. 