Two ordained deacons at Saint Meinrad
April 16, 2012
Two seminarians studying at Saint Meinrad
Seminary and School of Theology received the order of deacon from
the Most Rev. Christopher J. Coyne, apostolic administrator of the
Archdiocese of Indianapolis, at the Archabbey Church in St.
Meinrad, IN, on April 14.
The newly ordained deacons are John Kamwendo, Archdiocese of
Indianapolis, and Todd Nance, Diocese of Tulsa.
Other members of the class will be ordained at various times
in their respective dioceses.
In the Catholic faith, a deacon can preach, baptize, witness
marriages, offer Communion to the sick and aged, and perform other
ministerial duties. The newly ordained deacons are transitional
deacons, meaning they are preparing for ordination to the
priesthood. Many Catholic dioceses also have permanent deacons, who
carry out the same role, but are not studying for the
priesthood.
The seminarians attend Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of
Theology, which offers initial and ongoing formation for priests,
permanent deacons and lay ministers. The School is operated by the
Benedictine monks of Saint Meinrad Archabbey.
