By Tim Bishop

WHEELING—Rev. Mr. Ryan Lee Stichweh was ordained a transitional deacon for the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston by Bishop Michael J. Bransfield at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Wheeling May 19.

Many of Deacon Stichweh’s family and friends were present for the ordination as well as priests and deacons from throughout the diocese. “It is a beautiful time for us to be gathered here to celebrate this wonderful occasion within our diocese,” Bishop Bransfield said as he welcomed those present.

To begin the rite of ordination, Bishop Bransfield called Deacon Stichweh and announced that he had been chosen for the order of the diaconate—known as the Election of the Candidate. During the Promise of the Elect, Deacon Stichweh promised to serve the people of God as a deacon and pledged to live a life of celibacy.

Tim Bishop Photo

Bishop Michael J. Bransfield presents the Book of the Gospels to Rev. Mr. Ryan Stichweh during his ordination to the diaconate at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Wheeling May 19.

“We pray together, that God, who has chosen Ryan to serve others, will continue to bless him,” Bishop Bransfield said in his homily. The bishop spoke about Stephen—considered the first deacon—who was chosen by the apostles to help them spread the word of God. “The diaconate is seen as a great image of service,” the bishop continued, “and in our diocese we are blessed with many great deacons.” Bishop Bransfield then told Deacon Stichweh that it is time to let his light shine for the people of West Virginia. “My prayer for you,” he said, “is that you will find the joy and love that is in the church and will be able to stand before the world and witness to the values that our redeemer has given us.”

Following the homily, Deacon Stichweh knelt before the bishop and promised to respect and obey the bishop and his successors.

Deacon Stichweh then lay prostrate before the altar for the Litany of Supplication, during which those present prayed for him and his ministry. He then knelt before the bishop, who put his hands upon Deacon Stichweh’s head and called upon the Holy Spirit in the prayer of ordination.

Father William K. Matheny, Jr., pastor of St. Michael Parish in Wheeling, and Father Richard W. Shoda, J.C.L., retired, then vested Deacon Stichweh with the stole and dalmatic, the outward symbols of the office of the diaconate that are used in liturgical services.

Deacon Stichweh then knelt before the bishop, who presented him with the Book of the Gospels. “Receive the Gospel of Christ,” the bishop said as he offered Deacon Stichweh the Book of the Gospels. “Believe what you read, teach what you believe and practice what you teach.” The Book of the Gospels is a reminder to Deacon Stichweh of his responsibility to proclaim the Good News to all and to model his life after Christ. Following Mass, a reception was held in the Great Hall at Central Catholic High School in Wheeling.

Deacon Stichweh attends St. Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, Pa.; 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 was a Project Manager mentor. He has been assigned to St. Michael Parish in Wheeling for his summer pastoral assignment from May 29 through July 27.