Scott Winchel Ordained a Deacon

Scott Winchel was ordained a transitional deacon for the Diocese of Savannah by Bishop Boland at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist on Friday December 26, 2008, the Feast of St. Stephen, one of the first deacons as well as the first martyr of the early Christian church.

Currently enrolled at Mount St. Mary's Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland, Scott has made a long journey to this time and place. Formerly a Baptist from Peculiar, Missouri, he embraced the Catholic faith in 1997. Scott was an aviation mechanic at the time, and his Confirmation sponsor was Paul Thigpen, who was then teaching at Missouri State University. Paul recalls how at the gathering after Scott's reception, he asked him: "Scott, have you considered a religious vocation?" Scott was surprised at the question, but a seed was planted, and from that day onward, Paul and many others have prayed that God would make His will clear for Scott in this regard. After the Thigpens moved back to Savannah, Scott visited them in Georgia and through them he met Fr. Brett Brannen, who helped him in discerning his vocation. Scott then entered the seminary program for the Diocese of Savannah.

A man preparing for the priesthood is ordained a transitional deacon, for a period less than a year, usually after he completes his third year at the theological seminary.

During the ceremony, Fr. Tim McKeown said that "After inquiry among the people of Christ and upon recommendation of those concerned with his training, I testify that Scott Winchel has been found worthy to be ordained a deacon."

In his homily, Bishop Boland quoted from the Ordination Rite - Order of Deacons as follows:
"As a deacon, Scott will draw new strength from the gift of the Holy Spirit. He will help the bishop and his body of priests as a minister of the word, of the altar, and of charity. He will make himself a servant to all. As a minister of the altar Scott will proclaim the Gospel, prepare the sacrifice, and give the Lord's body and blood to the community of believers. It will also be his duty 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." In conclusion, Bishop Boland exhorted Scott to, "Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach."

Many friends were at the Cathedral to witness this wondrous event and to show support for Scott on his journey towards the priesthood. A reception, organized by the Serra Club of Savannah, was held in the Cathedral Parish Center after the ceremony. God willing, Scott will be ordained a priest on June 20, 2009, along with Luis Fonseca, Matthew Ericksen, and Pablo Migone, who were previously ordained as transitional deacons. Surely the Lord of the Harvest continues to hear and answer our prayers.

Reprinted from the Savannah Serra Club Newsletter - December 2008