A Milestone of Mission: 2000 Jubilee Deacon Class Marks 25 Years of Ministry

The deacons ordained during the Jubilee Year 2000 celebrated their 25th ordination anniversary recently. (Photo by James Baca)

After a quarter century of ministry, the deacon class of the Jubilee Year 2000 reunited recently to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their ordination. The class, which includes deacons from the dioceses of Cheyenne, Colorado Springs and Pueblo as well as the Archdiocese of Denver, met for Mass in Christ the King Chapel at St. John Vianney Seminary, followed by brunch at the seminary’s refectory.

“As a group, we were here together at the seminary more than any other place,” said Deacon Steven Vallero, archdiocesan manager of continuing formation for clergy.

“It was intimidating. It was a large group,” said Deacon Joseph Donohoe, retired archdiocesan director of deacons, as he recollected the early days of his formation for the diaconate. “Deacon George Morin and I were from the same parish at the time, and it helped to have someone I knew there. It was quite an adventure.”

But, through the challenges of formation, the Jubilee class of deacons forged strong bonds with each other — bonds that prepared them for their ministry of service.

“We were learning, it was exciting, but it was hard,” recalled Deacon Steve Stemper, CEO of The Catholic Foundation. “Many of us had day jobs and families, so going through something like that with others who are brothers in Christ, enduring the struggle at the same time, created this real bond of closeness and friendship. We felt that we were there for each other.”

Deacon Vallero provided the organizing force behind the reunion, which was attended not only by his fellow deacons but also by several priests who shared the day as the 25th anniversary of their ordination to the transitional diaconate.

“It was really joyful to be back together again,” Deacon Stemper said.

“I saw my classmates all the time as the deacon director,” Deacon Donohoe said, “and I see them at convocations and Deacon Day, so we catch up on occasion. There were some fellas from out of state I haven’t gotten to talk to as often, and it was nice to see them.”

Distinct from other classes, the Jubilee Class was ordained as the Church entered the third millennium, one punctuated by unique challenges and graces.

“I think we were given some special gifts,” Deacon Donohoe said. “I could name every one of my classmates and tell you about something significant they’ve done to further the Archdiocese and the Kingdom of God. In my travels around the nation as a deacon director, these guys stand out for doing their ministry incredibly well. I’m blessed and humbled to be a part of this. I don’t deserve to be part of this wonderful group of men.”

Just some of the ways these deacons have served the Church include Deacon Vallero’s time coordinating jail and prison ministry, Deacon Stemper’s ministry to grieving families and the dying, and Deacon Donohoe’s own work running the Jesus Our Hope Retreat Center in Deer Creek Canyon together with his wife.

Additionally, the deacons have carried out regular duties at their assigned parishes, such as performing or assisting in administering sacraments, preaching and teaching religious education.

Deacons Donohoe, Stemper and Vallero all expressed profound gratitude to their wives and families for their support over the last 25 years.

“In seminary, our wives would come with us once a quarter, and they were included in that formation,” Deacon Vallero said. “My wife was an integral part of my formation and, of course, still is an integral part of my daily life.”

For Deacon Stemper, being able to serve as an ordained minister to his family has deepened his bond with them.

“One great highlight was being able to baptize ten grandkids,” he said. “I presided at two of my four kids’ weddings and served as the deacon at both of my parents’ funerals. Those were very special moments.”

For Deacon Donohoe, preaching and guiding others are some of his favorite parts of being a deacon.

“I’ve learned I’m solely an instrument,” he said. “When I’m proclaiming the Gospel, Jesus is speaking through me, and when my words touch somebody else, it’s the Holy Spirit burning in their hearts.”

Experiences like that one have taught him the importance of surrender.

“Especially in my homilies and my activities with different people,” he said, “I’m just there as an instrument for God to use, and God takes over.”

“I think I’ve learned more and more about God’s unconditional love and his divine mercy for all of us, and the holiness and powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary,” Deacon Stemper said, looking back on his ministry so far. “There’s a great humility that comes with knowing the faith is a gift, and I can’t imagine where I’d be without God’s grace. I remember the feeling of my first time heading into the home of a family that had lost a loved one. When I was leaving, they were expressing their appreciation, and it was so obvious to me that what just happened was clearly the work of the Holy Spirit, the grace of the Holy Spirit from ordination and the power of the sacraments.”

Looking to the future classes of deacons in the Archdiocese of Denver, the Jubilee deacons emphasized the necessity of prayerfully heeding God’s call in the face of adversity.

“For the class coming up, you know you’re on the right track when the devil is pushing you to the max,” Deacon Donohoe said, “but the more the devil works on you, the more God helps you.”

“Pray, pray and pray some more,” added Deacon Vallero. “If you’re a married man, really learn how to pray with your wife, because she is going to be an integral part of that process of your discernment, the most important part, really.”

“There’s this famous saying, ‘God doesn’t call the qualified; he qualifies the called,’” Deacon Stemper said. “If a man wants to give the Church all his gifts, but there isn’t an underlying call, he shouldn’t pursue it. But if there is a call, even if he doesn’t feel worthy, he should follow it.”

Of course, recognizing the diaconate class of 2000 for their service would not be complete without acknowledging those deacons who have already passed on to their heavenly reward: John diPentino, Richard Martin, and Tony Rouco.

“They’re still brothers in Christ, even though they’re not with us on earth right now,” said Deacon Donohoe. “We miss ‘em, and I think they’re celebrating their 25th in different ways.”