Congratulations to our future Deacon,

Mr. Fred Ban!

Dear Parishioners,

Usually in this space I talk about the happenings in the RE world. Today I would like to take this opportunity to talk about something on a personal level.

As most or some of you know, I am receiving the Sacrament of Holy Orders by the Ordination to the Diaconate on Sat. Aug 22^nd. I have been asked many times “How did you know you wanted to be a deacon?, What is a deacon?, What is Holy Orders, isn’t that just for Priests?”

The Sacrament of Holy Orders is the continuation of Jesus’ priesthood, which he bestowed upon His Apostles. Holy Orders is referred as the “sacrament of the apostolic ministry”. In the sacrament, a, man is incorporated into the priesthood of Christ at one of 3 levels, episcopate, priesthood or diaconate. The essential rite of the sacrament consists in the bishop’s laying on of hands on the head of the ordinand and prayers asking God for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and gifts of the proper ministry to which the candidate is being ordained. The third level of that sacrament is the diaconate.

How did I know that I wanted to be a deacon? This all started years ago when Fr. Mark and a few parishioners put the idea in my head. At that time, I was not ready to answer the call. In fact, I thought they were a bit crazy, there was no way I could do this, but the call and voice was always there. There was no big “AHA” moment, just a constant prayer of calling.  After a few years of prayerful discernment, I realized that it was time and I spoke with Fr Tuan and he reaffirmed that yes it was time to answer yes.

The past 4 ½ years has truly flown by, there have been some trials and tribulations along the way, but it has been a beautiful and exciting journey. I have learned much about our Faith and what makes us special as Catholics and about myself as well.

As I approach this last week before my ordination, I ask that you keep me and my family in your prayers. This has definitely been a family journey of prayer, faith, and discovering. Not only have I seen my faith grow, but also the faith of my wife and 2 sons. It has effected us in many ways. Rest assured we are praying for you. 

Unfortunately we can not have everyone at the Sacrament as we would like, but I would love to invite you all to watch the live stream on Aug 22^nd at 11 am. The diocese has not told us exactly how they will be doing the stream but I will let everyone know.

I would like to thank the Staff of St. Mary’s for all of their help and support, Fr Tuan for his belief in me, his prayers, his support and guidance has been invaluable. Fr Mark for his seeing of something in me I never saw before. You the parishioners of St. Mary’s for your prayers and support and kindness. My friends who keep me grounded, you know who you are! I would like to thank my children, Devan and Ian. You both have helped me more than you realize. I love you more than you could ever know and appreciate you more than you will ever realize. Finally, my wife Joann, thank you for always being there for me and our family. Your strength is truly an inspiration, you have kept me up when times are tough, kept me humble when I needed it. Words cannot express my love and gratitude for everything you have given me. Not only has this diaconate journey been wonderful but has been a blessing to our journey as husband and wife. I am proud to be your husband. Thank you for letting me follow my dreams.

As for my plans for the future, I will be working towards my Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies.

Lastly, I want to express my excitement at being able to serve you, the community of St. Mary’s as your deacon. I look forward to being there for all of you.

God Bless,