This Sunday we welcome for the first time Deacon Tomas Mackevicius who was ordained as permanent deacon on September 26th, 2020.
Our previous pastor, Fr. C. Frank Phillips, C.R. worked with Deacon Tomas and helped discern his vocation to the Diaconate. Over the years, many permanent deacons have served at St. John Cantius, adorned our liturgies and assisted in our ministry. Although the Canons Regular do have the occasional transitional deacon on his way to the priesthood, Deacon Tomas’ permanent role allows him to minister as Deacon from the experience in his vocation as a father and husband.
Deacon Tomas, 44, lives in La Grange and works as an information officer at a clinical cancer research organization. He and his wife, Asta Mackeviciene, have three children: Skaiste, 7; Elija, 5; and Rojus, 1.
Over the centuries, the Deacon was always seen as an “icon of Christ” in his ministry of charity and support of the Priesthood, and ministry of the Eucharist. Deacon Tomas will assist at a Mass on Sunday and will preach the occasional homily, as well as assist with the distribution of Holy Communion. We look forward to his future ministry in the parish community and our city—such as communion for the sick and those in prison and various works of charity.
Deacon Tomas completed a comprehensive, four-year program through the Institute for Diaconal Studies located at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake in Mundelein. The programs include human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral dimensions of formation and a year-long parish pastoral ministry internship.
Let us keep Deacon Tomas, his wife, Asta, and their family in our prayers as Deacon Tomas begins his ministry.