2026 Ordination of Deacons
Date posted on June 17, 2026
On Saturday, June 6, 2026, Paul Dobrowolski, Gustavo Ponce Maese, Adam Walker, and Ivan Zeljeznjak were ordained to the Permanent Diaconate for the Diocese of Hamilton during a beautiful Mass held at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King.
Before the principal celebrant, Bishop Joseph Dabrowski, CSMA, Bishop of Hamilton, and with concelebrants including Bishop Wayne Lobsinger and priests from across the Diocese, the candidates promised obedience to Bishop Dabrowski and his successors. Each had hands laid upon him by Bishop Dabrowski and was vested with the stole and dalmatic.
The newly ordained deacons also received the Book of the Gospels as Bishop Dabrowski exhorted them: “Receive the Gospel of Christ, whose herald you now are. Believe what you read, teach what you believe, practice what you teach.”
In his homily, Bishop Dabrowski reflected on the joy of the occasion not only for the four men being ordained, but also for their families, parish communities, formators, friends, and all those who had accompanied them on their journey to ordination.
Drawing from the Opening Prayer of the Mass, Bishop Dabrowski reminded the candidates that before the Church asks them to do anything, it first reminds them who they are: servants whom God has graciously chosen. Reflecting on the unique paths that led each man to this day, he noted that God calls each vocation in a personal way through family life, parish life, prayer, moments of certainty, and moments of doubt. “Today the Church recognizes that call,” he said.
Permanent deacons serve the Church and the Diocese through ministries of charity, service, and outreach in settings such as hospitals, prisons, and other pastoral ministries. In addition, each deacon is assigned to a parish, where he assists the pastor in liturgical ministry, including assisting at Mass, preaching, baptizing, witnessing marriages, presiding at funeral rites, and serving the faithful in a variety of pastoral capacities.
The newly ordained deacons have been appointed to serve in the following parishes:
- Reverend Mr. Paul Dobrowolski – Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, Stoney Creek
- Reverend Mr. Gustavo Ponce Maese – St. Michael Parish, Oakville
- Reverend Mr. Adam Walker – Immaculate Conception Parish, Formosa
- Reverend Mr. Ivan Zeljeznjak – Holy Cross Croatian Parish, Hamilton
We congratulate and warmly welcome them to their ministry in the Diocese of Hamilton. See below for a livestream and photo gallery from this year’s Permanent Diaconate Ordination.