The new priests and transitional deacons for the Archdiocese of Hartford pose with their bishops at the Cathedral of St. Joseph after a combined ordination. From left to right, they are Father Daniel Hackenjos, Father Colin Lane, Auxiliary Bishop Juan Miguel Betancourt, Archbishop Christopher J. Coyne, Deacon Martin Chouinard, and Deacon Mitchell Kendrioski.
Story by Shelley Wolf | Photos by Aaron Joseph
In the presence of clergy, religious, family and friends, Archbishop Christopher J. Coyne ordained two new priests and two new transitional deacons for the Archdiocese of Hartford during a combined ordination ceremony on June 22 at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford.
The solemn yet joyful day was Archbishop Coyne’s first ordination for the archdiocese since he became the Archbishop of Hartford on May 1. The celebration was also heightened by the combination of two ordination ceremonies into one.
On the same day, Daniel J. Hackenjos and Colin B. Lane were ordained as priests, while Martin T. Chouinard and Mitchell S. Kendrioski were ordained as transitional deacons.
More than 100 priests, deacons and seminarians were in attendance. The priests concelebrated and shared the Kiss of Peace, welcoming the new priests and deacons as clergymen for the archdiocese.
Five men, who will be entering seminary for the archdiocese this fall, were also presented to the audience, receiving great applause.
During his homily, Archbishop Coyne first addressed the men being ordained as transitional deacons, telling them, “Receive the Gospel of Christ, whose herald you have become. Believe what you read, teach what you believe and practice what you teach.”
“Notice, the sense of these words: it is an admonition to exteriority, not interiority,” the new archbishop stressed. “It is an admonition to go out, to be a herald. It is an admonition to animation, to liveliness! You are a herald, a bearer of Good News.”
Archbishop Coyne acknowledged the many challenges the Catholic Church faces today, but noted that all four men before him represented people of hope.
“The Church faces challenges but it also faces opportunities,” the archbishop said. “I know from my conversations with you that you are men of hope and men who see the present ‘crisis’ not as a downward spiral of defeat but as an opportunity in the faith of the Catholic Church to preach, live, and evangelize in a culture and time that truly needs it.”
“Where people are lonely, we offer the opportunity of Communion and community. When we hear that people lack meaning in their lives, we jump at the opportunity to offer them the ultimate meaning in life, the salvation offered in the life, death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Where the world is callous and angry and divided, there is an opportunity to put forth the hand of charity, to embrace others as our brothers and sisters.”
Archbishop Coyne also advised all four men to remain close to God as their foundation, and to get close to his people to bring the visible presence of Jesus out into the world.
“My brothers, as Pope Francis urges us, be close to your people, be out there with your people. Visit their homes, go to the town events, and leave your rectories as much as possible,” the archbishop said. “Say to people you come to know at Mass, ‘When can I come and bless your house?’ Talk to everybody as much as you can.”
During the ordination ceremony, Father Anthony Federico, director of Vocations and Seminarians, and Auxiliary Bishop Juan Miguel Betancourt presented the candidates to the archbishop, affirming their worthiness to serve God and care for his people.
In one of the most moving moments of the rite, all four candidates lay prostrate on the Cathedral floor as cantors led those in attendance in reciting the Litany of Supplication, praying to the saints for their intercession. Other highlights included Archbishop Coyne calling on the Holy Spirit to bless the candidates and the laying on of hands.
Following the ordination, Father Hackenjos said of his priesthood, “It’s a beautiful gift. It feels like I’m at home. I feel whole.”
Father Hackenjos posed for photos with a large group of parishioners from St. Francis of Assisi Parish in New Britain, where he served as a transitional deacon and has now been assigned to serve as parochial vicar. In addition, he will be serving as priest chaplain for St. Paul Catholic High School in Bristol.
Father Lane, who was overcome by the ordination experience, said “I don’t have words for you. It’s good. It’s beautiful.” He was immediately surrounded by well-wishers, who greeted him with hugs and greeting cards. He posed for photos with family and friends, and many stood in line to receive his blessing.
Father Lane, who served as a deacon at Most Holy Trinity Parish in Wallingford, has just been assigned to be its parochial vicar. He will also serve as parochial vicar for Resurrection Parish in Wallingford.
Father Andres Mendoza, pastor of Most Holy Trinity Parish, was on hand to witness the ordination. “The Church is blessed,” he said, to receive two new priests. “They’ve received great formation, and it’s wonderful to be part of this great adventure.”
As for the two new transitional deacons, Deacon Chouinard has been assigned to Holy Disciples Parish in Watertown/Oakville. Deacon Kendrioski will assist at St. George Parish in Guilford and at St. Margaret Parish in Madison.
The two new deacons and two new priests take in the applause of their fellow priests and bishops as they face outward toward Aetna and Farmington Avenue from the steps of the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford.