Bishop DiNardo ordains Louis Meiners to the permanent diaconate

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
June 19, 2003

Louis Meiners of Dedham was asked to serve God in love and joy during his ordination to the permanent diaconate for service in the Diocese of Sioux City at 10:30 a.m. Mass on June 14 at Cathedral of the Epiphany in Sioux City.

In the opening prayer, Bishop Daniel N. DiNardo, the ordaining prelate, said, "Let us pray for Louis and all those called to the ministry of diaconate. Father, you taught the ministers of your church not to desire that they be served but to serve their brothers and sisters. May they be effective in their work and persevering in their prayer, performing their ministry with gentleness and concern for others."

Several deacons and priests were on hand for the service as was Bishop Lawrence D. Soens, retired bishop of the diocese.

Meiners' daughters served as lectors during the liturgy, reading Sirach 39:1b, 5-8 and 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. Deacon Tim Murphy of Carroll proclaimed the Gospel, John 1:35-42.

Following the Liturgy of the Word, Meiners, who had been seated next to his wife, Judy, in the congregation, was called forward. Deacon Ron Forrest, co-director of the permanent diaconate, presented the candidate for ordination.

After the official election of Meiners to the order of deacons, Bishop DiNardo gave the homily. He referred to the Gospel when the disciples were told by Jesus to get to know him.

"Louis, I know in your interview with me you spoke about all these years of getting to know Jesus more intimately. That is the basis for everything," stressed the bishop. "Nothing will be as crucial as getting to know the Lord Jesus."

Whether it is proclaiming the Gospel at Mass, presiding at a wake service or teaching religious education class, Bishop DiNardo said the new deacon's main task was to witness.

"You are to help the bishop and the body of priests as minister of the word, of the altar and above all, of charity, for deacons are the servants of all," said Bishop DiNardo.

The bishop pointed out that it will be Meiners' duty, at the bishop's discretion, to bring God's word to believer and unbeliever alike, to preside over public prayer, to baptize, to assist at marriages and bless them, to give viaticum to the dying and to lead the rites of burial.

"When you go about all of your duties, I hope that everyone sees that you are truly a disciple of Jesus who came not to be served, but to serve. Please stay close to the works of charity." He added, "Every deacon should always be mindful of the poor."

Referring to second reading, the bishop noted that Paul wrote of gifts.

"Louis, from the Eucharist, gifts are given. Use them for the church," said Bishop DiNardo.

Following the examination of the candidate and promise of obedience, Meiners prostrated before the altar during the litany of saints.

"Lord, send forth upon him the Holy Spirit, that he may be strengthened by the gift of your sevenfold grace to carry out faithfully the work of the ministry. May he excel in every virtue: in love that is sincere, in concern for the sick and poor, in unassuming authority, in self-discipline and in holiness of life," prayed the bishop in the prayer of consecration.

The new deacon was vested in stole and dalmatic by Father Anthony Pick, pastor of St. Joseph Church in Dedham and Annunciation Church in Coon Rapids. Meiners was then presented the Book of Gospels and received the sign of peace from the bishop as well as fellow deacons. The newly ordained assisted with the remainder of the Mass.

Following the liturgy, Meiners' wife, Judy, said, "I am just speechless. The service was very emotional. This is something that he has always wanted to do. My illness set him back a few years, but I am so proud of him."

Meiners put off studying for the diaconate for a few years as his wife fought cancer. She is presently doing well.

Jenny Meiners, the new deacon's daughter, said, "He could not do anything else in this world that would make me more proud than I am right now."

This was her first time to attend an ordination. She said, "It was beautiful. The homily was great. It made me appreciate what my father is going to be doing for the church."

Meiners' son, Frank, pointed out that serving the church has always been a significant part of who his father was and what he wanted to do.

Daughter Cindy Geiselhart said she too was proud of and happy for her father.

"This is something that he wanted," she said. "I hope that he enjoys it."

Deacon Meiners will minister at the parishes in Dedham and Coon Rapids.