Edward Whitesell calls it “the fulfillment of a dream.” At the same time Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien ordains three men to the transitional diaconate during a May 10 liturgy at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Baltimore, the archbishop will also ordain Mr. Whitesell a permanent deacon.
Transitional deacons go on to become priests, while permanent deacons do not.
“My prayer is that I’ll be able to continue in the outstanding tradition that the permanent deacons of the Archdiocese of Baltimore have shown and continue to show in their ministry to the people of God,” said Mr. Whitesell, a 52-year-old parishioner of the Church of the Ascension in Halethorpe.
A father of two teenage girls, Mr. Whitesell has worked in administration and project management for 28 years with the Xerox Corporation.
Mr. Whitesell, who prepared for the diaconate at St. Mary’s Seminary and University, Roland Park, said he enjoys teaching religious education and has taught at every level from the 6th grade to adults in RCIA.
“I want to continue doing that and serving in whatever way I can,” he said.