By Colleen Rowan

WHEELING —Seminarian Ryan Lee Stichweh will take another step closer to priesthood as he is ordained a transitional deacon for the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston by Bishop Michael J. Bransfield May 19 at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Wheeling.

“I would like to express my thanks and gratitude to Bishop Bransfield for calling me to the Order of Deacons,” Stichweh said. “His Excellency has been tremendously supportive of me in my journey of faith. I would also like to thank        Msgr. Paul Hudock for giving me the guidance and support to pursue my vocation.

“To the beautiful faith-filled people of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, I give special thanks for their prayers and support in helping me to offer a sincere ‘yes’ to God’s call,” he continued. “From my starting point in West Virginia, St. Mary Parish in Star City, to my wonderful time in the parishes of McDowell County, in St. Michael Parish in Wheeling and in St. Leo the Great Parish in Inwood, all of these parishioners with whom I have encountered God’s presence have been vital to my growth towards the diaconate. Most significantly have been my sister and her family, Karen and Brad Davis with their three children, of whom I am grateful for all their love, support and witness. I thank God for his grace, mercy and love on each of us.” 

Stichweh, a native of Fairfax, Va., is in third theology at St. Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, Pa. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, second degree; attended World Youth Day in Australia in 2008 and in Spain in 2011; coached a community swim team; was a Boy Scout Leader; and a Project Manager mentor.

During his ordination as a transitional deacon, Stichweh will kneel before Bishop Bransfield, promise obedience to the bishop and his successors and make a commitment to lifelong celibacy. He will also be vested with the stole and dalmatic—the outward symbols of a deacon used in liturgical services. 

Stichweh will also be presented with the Book of the Gospels to remind him of his responsibility to proclaim the Good News to all and to model his life after the mystery of Christ’s cross.