Scott Thomas ordained transitional deacon
By Mary Woodward
JACKSON — On Saturday, Nov. 14, Scott Thomas, a native of Jackson and a graduate of local Catholic schools, was ordained a transitional deacon for the Diocese of Jackson before a near capacity crowd in the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle.
The congregation included members of Thomas’ family, friends, Knights of Columbus, Knights of St. Peter Claver and the Knights and Ladies of the Holy Sepulchre.
Thomas, who grew up in St. Richard Parish and graduated from St. Joseph High School, was ordained a transitional deacon by Bishop William Houck, former bishop of Jackson, acting at the request of Bishop Joseph Latino, who was unable to attend the ceremony due to continued recovery from surgery.
Other celebrants included priests of the Jackson diocese and several professors from Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, where Thomas is studying for the priesthood.
During the 90-minute ceremony, Deacon Thomas was presented to the congregation, made promises to carry out the office of deacon, had the Communion of Saints called down upon him in the singing of the litany, and received the Book of the Gospels as a symbol of the ministry of deacon to teach and proclaim the Gospel.
The key moment in the rite of ordination is when the bishop lays hands upon the head of the candidate thus conferring the traditional sign of ordination. After that the prayer of ordination seals the rite and the newly ordained is vested in the stole and dalmatic, presented the Gospel book and given the sign of peace by the bishop and other deacons present.
In addition to Deacon Thomas, five other deacons participated in the ceremony including Deacon Jason Welle, a transitional deacon for the Franciscans currently serving in Greenwood, Deacon Wayne Youngman, a classmate of Thomas and transitional deacon for the Archdiocese of Mobile, and Deacon Frank Agosta, a permanent deacon for the Diocese of Jackson. The deacons served as ministers of the cup for the distribution of Holy Communion.
Though unable to attend physically, Bishop Latino sent a letter to Deacon Thomas that was read at the end of the Mass by Msgr. Elvin Sunds, vicar general for the diocese. In the letter Bishop Latino stated: “Be assured that Holy Mother Church along with the local church of the Jackson diocese welcomes you with great joy and looks forward to your ordination to the priesthood Saturday, June 5, 2010.
“As a prayer and wish for you, I recall the statement from today’s rite … when you received the Gospel book: ‘Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach.’ It is in fulfilling this admonition that you shall be a faithful and loyal priest who fulfills the invitation of Christ to shepherd his people.”
Prior to the recessional hymn the Mass ended with the traditional a cappella singing of the Salve Regina led by Bishop Houck and the gathered clergy.
For Deacon Thomas’ personal remarks and thoughts on the ceremony visit the diocesan blog.
