Richard Houwing became the newest deacon in the Diocese of Broken Bay, answering a call from God to ordained ministry which he had heard seven years earlier.
In a Mass attended by more than 100 people, Bishop Anthony Randazzo ordained Richard to the Order of the Diaconate at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral, Waitara, on June 6, the feast day of St Philip the Evangelist, a first century deacon who preached and performed many miracles in his ministry.
It was the first time Bishop Randazzo had ordained a permanent deacon in his nearly seven years of episcopal ministry.
More than 30 clergy from across the Diocese were in attendance for the special occasion and the Mass was concelebrated by Fr David Ranson (Vicar General of Broken Bay), Fr Brendan Lee (moderator of the Cathedral), Fr Raphael Kimaro AJ (Parish Priest of Pennant Hills), and Fr Jim KcKeon (Director of Programme of Formation for Diaconate).
The choir from Richard’s parish of Pennant Hills provided the music for the Mass, as clergy, seminarians, friends, family and parishioners joined to celebrate the first ordination in the Diocese in over a year.
After Richard stepped forward to be elected, Bishop Anthony used his homily to reflect on the universal call to evangelise, which must start by knowing, loving and imitating Jesus Christ.
“As a Deacon, Richard will bring the good news of Jesus to others, on the street, in the prison, at the bus stop, in the supermarket,” he said.
“He will also evangelise as he proclaims God’s word, ministers baptism, witnesses holy matrimony and assists the bishop and the presbyters at the Eucharist. In all that he does, he will endeavour to reflect the love of Christ himself, who came, not to be served, but to serve.”
Bishop Anthony reminded Richard his call to the diaconate was not just about service, but also about prayer.
“Richard, as deacon, you will join the bishops and priests who have had the Liturgy of the Hours entrusted to them,”
Bishop Anthony Randazzo
“The Church commissions you to intercede on behalf of the whole community of the Church, and in particular the Church of Broken Bay. It is not an imposition rather it is a joy.
“It demonstrates that the very lifeblood of our sacred ministry is prayer and dialogue with God, for you, for the community of believers, and for the salvation of the world.”
Bishop Anthony referenced the first reading of Acts 8:1-8, which spoke of the persecution faced by the early Church, but also spoke of the strength of Philip the Deacon, who continued to preach in the face of this adversity.
“The first reading for the Mass illustrates a world in chaos,” he said. It was one of severe persecution against the Church in Jerusalem. This aggression had the effect of scattering those who believed in Jesus Christ.
“Philip, the Deacon, whose feast we commemorate today, was one who did not run or hide, nor was his voice silenced by fear or intimidation. In the face of opposition, he courageously proclaimed Christ to the world.
“So great was his faith and so deep was his love for the risen Lord, that when he spoke, we are told that the crowds ‘with one accord listened eagerly’.”
Bishop Anthony said the reading should serve as an inspiration for Richard’s diaconal life and ministry.
“Allow Saint Philip, the deacon, to accompany you, to guide you, and to inspire you,” he said.
“By doing so, you will publicly attest a life or service to God’s holy people and a ministry of evangelisation in the world. Richard, the life of discipleship to which you are called is a daily configuration to Jesus Christ – always becoming aware that, like earthenware jars; you hold a treasure of inestimable value.”
Following the homily, Richard lay prostrate in front of Bishop Anthony, while those in the church prayed the Litany of Saints.
Bishop Anthony then laid hands on him, before his wife Teresa and Gail Gill (a member of the diaconate formation team) brought forward his stole and dalmatic and he was vested for the first time, with assistance from Deacon Kevin Hale.
He then joined Bishop Anthony on the altar to assist in the celebration of the Eucharist for the first time as an ordained man.
During his speech at the conclusion of the Mass, Richard thanked family, friends, Bishop Anthony, his formators in the Diaconate program and to the people of Broken Bay.
“For you to be here in whatever form carries so much meaning and I am deeply touched being able to share this time together,” he said.
“This ordination brings forth an outpouring of the Holy Spirit for me and an outpouring of the Holy Spirit for you, because you are present. May we go on with that same spirit.”
The evening concluded with many parishioners and friends mingling in the courtyard of the Church, taking photos with Richard and congratulating him on his ordination.