The eight candidates for the permanent diaconate pose with Deacon José Espinosa, co-director of diaconate formation, second from left; Penny Simmons, co-director of diaconate formation, and Deacon Dennis Dorner Sr., chancellor and director of the permanent diaconate, right front, following the the Mass of ordination Feb. 3 at the Cathedral of Christ the King. Photo by Johnathon Kelso
Atlanta
By ANDREW NELSON, Staff Writer | Published February 11, 2024
ATLANTA—Deacon Thang Vu baptized a grandchild, assisted at Mass and preached a sermon at Holy Vietnamese Martyrs Church all within 48 hours of his ordination to the diaconate.
“My dream is I will be a humble servant and bring more people to God with joy, hope, love and peace,” said Deacon Vu.
After five years of studies, Deacon Vu said he feels “joyous” to begin this new vocation and fulfill his dream of being a humble servant in service of the faith.
He was among eight men to be ordained the newest permanent deacons in the Archdiocese of Atlanta, with the years of formal learning about the ministry completed as they made promises of obedience.
In return, Bishop John N. Tran prayed over them and handed them a Book of the Gospels, and urged them “to believe what you read, teach what you believe and practice what you teach.”
In a solemn Mass at the Cathedral of Christ the King on Feb. 3, the men were ordained to offer blessings and live a life in service to charity.
The new deacons are Robert Fraundorf, to serve at the Cathedral of Christ the King; Michael Heubel, to serve at St. Ann Church; Gerard LaHatte, to serve at Our Lady of the Mountains; Michael Martell, to serve at All Saints Church; Alonso Rigg assigned to St. Ann Church; William Schubring to serve at St. Catherine Laboure, Phillip Tran and Thang Vu, both assigned to Holy Vietnamese Martyrs Church.
Deacon Phillip Tran, center, celebrates his Feb. 3…
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