Trusting in the Holy Spirit as time marches on

By Timothy Mulranen

As a child, I always heard the phrase “time flies.” Whenever someone said these words, I always thought the person was being dramatic. As I have gotten older, I realize how true this phrase is!

I especially felt this truth on the evening of March 26, when Bishop Dennis Sullivan called me to the Order of Deacon. I cannot help but feel like it was only yesterday that my parents dropped me off at the doors of Saint Andrew’s Hall [Seton Hall University] to begin my seminary journey! Fast-forward six-and-a-half years, and I am only weeks away from being ordained a transitional deacon for the Diocese of Camden! Time indeed flies, and I am grateful to our Lord that His Church has affirmed the vocation I have discerned my whole life.

Throughout my time in the seminary, I have always felt a deep sense of joy and excitement whenever my brother seminarians were ordained. This grew stronger when I entered Saint Joseph’s Seminary for theology because I was able to see the fruit of seminary formation in my brothers in fourth theology. I saw this in their own diaconate ministry both within and outside the seminary. To say that I am only weeks away from that stage is mind-boggling, and I cannot help but feel the Holy Spirit preparing me during my last few weeks of third theology. The Holy Spirit has given me the reassurances that the vocation to Holy Orders is indeed the one for which I have been called. There is a deep sense of peace whenever I pray or think about this future.

There are many aspects of being a deacon that I am looking forward to. I look forward to meeting with couples for weddings and to lead them to the joy and special graces of a Catholic wedding. I look forward to meeting with families who would like to have their children baptized, and then accompanying them on their journey to raise their child in the faith. I also look forward to serving the dying as well as consoling their grieving families, which is ever so important. I most especially look forward to learning under a pastor who will teach me how to be a good and holy priest.

Time does fly, and I know this next year as a transitional deacon will go by fast! I trust in the Holy Spirit to continue to help teach me this upcoming year. Along with the support and prayer of my family, friends and Diocese, I look forward to the day I am able to serve Christ as His priest.

Timothy Mulranen is third theology, Saint Joseph’s Seminary, Yonkers, N.Y.