Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. Alleluia.
(Introit, Rite of Ordination to the Order of Deacons)
On Saturday, May 20 at 10 a.m., during Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew, Bishop David Walkowiak ordained Nicholas Baker as a transitional deacon for the Diocese of Grand Rapids. The public was invited to attend the Mass, or watch live online. The faithful of the diocese rejoice as we welcome Deacon Nick as the newest member of the clergy in our diocese!
Celebration of the Eucharist with the Rite of Ordination of a Deacon
Most Reverend David J. Walkowiak, bishop of Grand Rapids, presiding
When: Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 10 a.m.
Where: Cathedral of Saint Andrew
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WATCH VIDEO: Ordination Mass (Facebook) | Bishop Walkowiak’s homily (YouTube)
VIEW MASS PHOTOS:
Nicholas Baker
Deacon Nicholas R. Baker, 26, is the son of Todd and Lisa Baker. He has two siblings: Kurtis and Morgan. Deacon Nick is a member of St. Sebastian Parish in Byron Center. Nick credits his parish pastor, Monsignor William Duncan, with fostering his vocation. Deacon Nick graduated from Byron Center High School and the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he received a bachelor’s degree in 2020.
He will enter his final year of seminary at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein, Illinois, this fall, and is expected to receive his Master of Divinity in spring 2024. He completed his pastoral internship at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Belmont under the mentorship of Father Tony Pelak.
As a deacon, Nick has one more year of study and formation ahead of him before he is ordained to the priesthood.
Please keep Deacon Nick in your prayers as he prepares for ordination as a deacon and continues formation for the priesthood.
Holy Land Pilgrimage: Read the Mundelein Seminary pilgrimage blog
Learn more about:
Ordination of Priests on June 3
Priestly vocations and formation
Diaconate formation
Communities of women and men religious serving in our diocese
