Bishop Alfred Schlert will ordain Philip Maas a transitional deacon Saturday, May 16 at 10:30 a.m., livestreamed from the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown, accessibe on AD Today.
Because of the current restrictions, only his family and a handful of clergy will be in attendance. Other clergy and member of the faithful may prayerfully participate from their rectory or home.
Being ordained a transitional deacon is the final step before ordination to the priesthood.
Maas is the son of James and Sandra Maas of Center Valley. His parish growing up was Assumption BVM, Bethlehem, and after college he became a parishioner of the Cathedral.
He attended St. Michael the Archangel School, Colesville/Limeport and graduated in 2009 from Allentown Central Catholic High School. In 2013 he received a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York.
He is preparing for the priesthood at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Philadelphia.
"When I left my job in 2015 to attend seminary, ordination seemed like a distant reality,” said Maas.
“Now that I stand on the threshold of a lifelong commitment, I do so with a keen awareness of God's providence in my life. I have learned more about God and myself in these past few years than I could have ever imagined.
“I am grateful to Him, the seminary, my Diocese and my family for guiding me to this next milestone in my vocation. I joyfully look forward to being ordained a deacon in May as I continue to pursue a call to the priesthood.”
Father Chris Butera, director of seminarian formation, said the Diocese is “happy and proud to be ordaining Philip Maas to the diaconate on May 16.”
“Philip has an array of gifts and talents that will allow him to minister to God’s people and the Church in diverse and varied ways,” he continued.
“We live in a very unique time in history where it is especially important to be able to use our gifts well in service to the flock, and I know Philip will do that in an exceptional way.”
A link to the program for the Mass is here.
