Meet The Holy Trinity Catholic Church’s newest ordained minister, Renso Castellarin.
Castellarin was ordained this past weekend at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Calgary by Bishop Frederick Henry.
There are fifty deacons in the Catholic Diocese, thus giving him the title of a permanent married diaconate. The married diaconate dates back to the first century when the first deacons- seven in total, were appointed by the apostles. Their purpose is to be of service to the pariahs and to the community.
“It is a ministry; a step just below priesthood,” said Castellarin.
Deacons are allowed to assist in marriages, baptisms, funerals and burials, in addition to preaching and teaching.
In order to be a permanent married diaconate, one must complete a four-year course call the formation program. This program not only involves the deacon-to be- but also the wives.
“The wives are involved so they know and understand what we are doing,” he said. “It’s a team effort through the process.”
He explains that the formation program is made up of different steps. Each step needs to be followed and passed in order for a candidate to move forward to the candidate to move to the final step, the formation of the deaconate.
“We’re very happy to have been selected.” I look forward to working with the community,” said Castellarin.
Castellarin explained that there was always a calling for him to be a deacon. “For many years, I said no, but then finally, I decided to say yes,” the father of three and grandfather of seven, and great-grandfather of two said.
Castellarin was a principal and teacher for 37 years, teaching at all three schools in the Crowsnest Pass and a school in Pincher Creek before finishing his career.
