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CHARLOTTE — Bishop Peter J. Jugis ordained Jason K. Barone and Peter J. Shaw to the transitional diaconate at the Cathedral of St. Patrick on Dec. 17.

The Diocese of Charlotte now has three transitional deacons on the path to becoming diocesan priests next year.

"In the spirit of these Advent days and in the spirit of the ordination Mass, our brothers Jason Barone Peter Shaw present themselves in a spirit of joyful expectation for the coming of Almighty God, to change them forever through the outpouring of His grace, indelibly marking them with the spiritual character which configures them to Christ," said Bishop Jugis during his homily.

He explained the role of the deacon in the Church stating that "by the grace of holy orders, the deacon is configured to Christ the servant, who came not to be served but to serve.

The deacon helps the bishop and his priests as a minister of the altar, proclaiming the Gospel, preparing the altar for the sacrifice, distributing the Lord's Body and Blood to the faithful.

The deacon serves by teaching the doctrine of Christ and His Church, by presiding at public prayer, administering baptism, assisting at and blessing marriages, bringing viaticum to the dying, conducting funeral rites, and by dedicating himself to various acts of charity."

Bishop Jugis also stated how for both men, this ordination will entail a total sacrifice and gift of self to God and His Catholic Church, and a preparatory step to the priesthood.

"You give up your lives for the Father in Heaven and for the salvation of your brothers and sisters," he said.

Both the Barone and Shaw families were present for the ordination Mass. Each set of parents presented the gifts to Bishop Jugis during the Offertory. Deacon Shaw's father, Deacon William S. Shaw, a permanent deacon who serves at St. Pius X Church in Greensboro, was able to help vest his son during the ordination rite.

"The ordination was an amazing experience and one of the most profound moments in my life," said Deacon Shaw. "Words really don't do justice for those moments because of the uniqueness of it. What words could possibly express the Almighty transforming my very soul and Christ personally configuring me to Himself as a servant of all? It was something akin to those times when a child knows that their parents are pleased with them. The Father smiled upon me, and the joy and grace that overflows in my heart and soul because of this experience has become a well from which I draw upon to ever serve Him and His Church."

Deacons Barone and Shaw now join Deacon Matthew Codd in the transitional diaconate.

Deacons Shaw and Barone will return to Mount St. Mary's Seminary after Jan. 1 to finish out their fourth year of theology classes. All three hope to be ordained to the priesthood in June.

— SueAnn Howell, staff writer

Editor's note: More pictures from the diaconate ordination Mass have been posted to the Diocese of Charlotte's YouTube channel.