By Maureen Smith
GREENVILLE – Joseph Le was ordained a transitional deacon at a 10 a.m. Mass in St. Joseph Church Saturday, Oct. 10. His parents and many siblings, including his brother, who has taken first vows as a Cistercian, and several nieces and nephews traveled from Dallas and California for the event.
Deacon Le’s parents said they are very happy and thankful to God to have two children who have answered the call to religious and priestly life.
During the Mass, Deacon Le presented himself to Bishop Joseph Kopacz, promised obedience to the bishop and his successors and prostrated himself during the invocation of the saints in the litany. Then after the imposition of hands, Bishop Kopacz presented the new deacon with the Book of the Gospels, a sign of the office of deacon.
Deacon Le first studied with the Carmelites, but discerned that life as a diocesan priest would be a better fit for him. He served in Greenville during his seminary studies and considers it his home parish.
Next May 14, both Deacon Le and Deacon Jason Johnston, who was ordained eariler this year, are scheduled to be ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Kopacz in the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle.