On March 11, 2019, seven deacons gathered in the main chapel at Sacred Heart Major Seminary to swear the Oath of Fidelity in preparation for their upcoming presbyterial ordinations. Dcn. Rodney Abasso and Dcn. Perrin Atisha are studying with the St. Thomas the Apostle Chaldean Eparchy, while Dcn. William Van Wagner is from the diocese of Madison, in Wisconsin. Dcn. Adam Nowak, Dcn. John McKenzie, and Dcn. Derik Peterman are seminarians for the archdiocese of Detroit, and Dcn. Matthew Wagner is from the diocese of Winona-Rochester, in Minnesota.
The Oath of Fidelity is a promise by those taking a position of authority that they will keep communion with all the teachings of the Catholic Church. The ceremony was an opportunity for this group of men to witness to the faith they have diligently studied throughout the most recent years of their lives, and a chance to publicly declare loyalty to the deposit of faith, the Code of Canon Law, as well as assistance to the diocesan bishops whom will be their guides throughout the priesthood.
The Sacred Heart family asks for your continued prayers over this group of men throughout the final months leading up to their ordinations. Sacred Heart works hard to form healthy and holy priests for the archdiocese of Detroit, and all the communities that send their seminarian to study in its halls, and these prayers play an integral role in the formation process.