Two new transitional deacons will be ordained on Sunday, May 21, in the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark. Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, will ordain Andrew M. Rubinich of Fairfield, N.J. and Matteo Matarazzo of Italy at a noon Mass.
In the Catholic Church, the diaconate is the first of three ranks in ordained ministry — deacons, priests, and bishops. Deacons preparing for the priesthood are transitional deacons. Those not planning to be ordained priests are called permanent deacons. Married men may be ordained permanent deacons. To learn more about the call to the priesthood, visit the Office of Priestly Vocations of the Archdiocese of Newark.
Jersey Catholic sat down with the men to discuss what inspired them to answer their calling to priesthood.
Andrew M. Rubinich, 24
St. Thomas More Parish in Fairfield, N.J.
Immaculate Conception Seminary Seton Hall University
What inspired you to discern the priesthood?
I was inspired to discern the priesthood by the witness of several good and holy priests, the example of faith-filled parish ministry leaders, and the joy that comes with knowing Jesus in the family of faith. In growing in my relationship with Jesus Christ through prayer, coming to know his tender love and care, falling in love with his Church and the Sacraments, and committing to live as a member of his Body, I heard the still, small voice of Jesus calling me to be a man who lives for others in service of the Church of Newark.
What saints have influenced your discernment the most and why?
Saint Therese of Lisieux has been a dear patroness who has carried me throughout my journey. She brings the Gospel to us in noble simplicity…a “little way of love.” She modeled this little way so faithfully by the way she lived, appreciated God’s grace in souls, and knew herself and her call before God and others, giving herself entirely over to it. I hope and pray I can do the same. Also, her special love and intercession for priests (and seminarians) has been a great source of encouragement for me in my journey.
Matteo Matarazzo, 30
Holy Family of Nazareth, San Sisto, Perugia, Italy
Redemptoris Mater Archdiocesan Missionary Seminary
What inspired you to discern the priesthood?
I was inspired to the priesthood after two events, the first was a confession that I made after three years of having left the Church where, the priest instead of telling me that I was living a very disordinate life, he told me that God loved me and that He was not scandalized by me. On the contrary, God was loving me even more and was waiting for me at the door like the prodigal son’s father. The second event was a meeting in Naples in 2012 organized by the initiator of the Neocatechumenal Way, Kiko Arguello, with many youths of the Way from all over Italy. In this meeting, the Word of God was proclaimed followed by some preaching. One of the things that stuck with me was: “God is asking you today the same thing that he asked the Virgin. Are you willing to receive in you the Holy Spirit and to do my will? You can say yes and follow where that FIAT [Latin word for “Let it be done”] leads or say no and go back to your old life.” In that meeting, I felt to give my FIAT and begin a journey led by God that after a time of discernment, it became clear that God was calling me to become a priest.
What saints have influenced your discernment the most and why?
The saint that I kept the most in my heart during the discernment period and to whom I am still very devout and grateful to, is Saint Rita of Cascia. She felt a vocation from a young age like me. When I was 4 or 5, I used to play celebrating mass and cooking. She went after a different vocation and became a wife and mother. I decided to enter the world of restaurants and to have my own business eventually (it never happened; the Lord had different plans). After she remained a widow and her children died the call came back to her and after some rejections, she finally entered the monastery. I arrived at a moment of desperation where my life lost all joy and I felt stuck in a horrible routine. At that time, I was fired. After a few days of prayers with my Neocatechumenal Community I was invited to the meeting in Naples where I heard the call again but this time, I accepted it.
