With Joyful Hearts, We Celebrate Matt Bernhard’s Ordination to the Transitional Diaconate on 12/4!
🙏 With praise and thanksgiving to Almighty God, we rejoice in a beautiful milestone in the life of our seminarian intern, Matthew (Matt) Bernhard!
Our Lady of Mercy warmly invites our parish family to join us in celebrating Matt’s Ordination to the Transitional Diaconate on Friday, December 4, 2026, at 6:30pm at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus in Joliet.
Matt will be ordained alongside three brother seminarians, Phu Joseph Nguyen, Frank Perrotta, and Joshua Solarz, as they take this sacred step toward their anticipated ordination to the priesthood in May 2027.
For those who have come to know Matt during his time at Our Lady of Mercy, this is an especially joyful occasion. We have been blessed by his presence, his willingness to serve, and his growing vocation to the priesthood. Now, we have the privilege of accompanying him in prayer as he prepares to receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders.
✝️ What Is a Transitional Deacon?
A transitional deacon is a man ordained through the Sacrament of Holy Orders who is preparing for eventual ordination to the priesthood.
Through ordination, he is configured to Christ the Servant and receives a special grace to serve God and His people.
As a deacon, Matt will be able to:
- Proclaim the Gospel and preach at Mass.
- Baptize and witness marriages.
- Assist the priest at the altar during Mass.
- Preside at certain liturgical celebrations, including funeral rites outside of Mass.
- Serve the Church through ministries of charity and service.
What Is the Difference Between a Transitional and Permanent Deacon?
Both transitional and permanent deacons receive the same Sacrament of Holy Orders and share in the Church’s threefold ministry of the Word, the Liturgy, and Charity.
The distinction lies in their vocational paths.
A transitional deacon is preparing for ordination to the priesthood, while a permanent deacon is ordained to serve as a deacon without intending to become a priest.
Permanent deacons may be married before ordination, while transitional deacons ordinarily embrace the commitment to celibacy as part of their preparation for the priesthood.
Although Matt’s time as a transitional deacon will be relatively brief, the diaconate is far more than a stepping stone to the priesthood. The call to serve Christ and His Church remains at the heart of his vocation throughout his priestly life.
❤️ A Special Blessing for Our Lady of Mercy
We are especially grateful that following his ordination, Deacon Matt will continue serving our Our Lady of Mercy parish family!
What a beautiful gift to accompany him through these final months of preparation for the priesthood, witnessing firsthand how God continues to shape his heart for a lifetime of service.
🙏 Mass of Thanksgiving | Sunday, December 6
Following his ordination, Deacon Matt will join his home parish community for a special Mass of Thanksgiving.
Sunday, December 6, 2026 | 10:30am
St. Joseph Catholic Church | Manhattan, Illinois
Please note that this Mass will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Church, not at Our Lady of Mercy.
All are welcome to join Matt and his home parish family in giving thanks to God for the gift of his vocation.
⛪ Join Us for the Ordination!
Friday, December 4, 2026 | 6:30pm
Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus
604 N. Raynor Avenue, Joliet, IL
A reception will immediately follow the ordination.
Unable to attend in person? Join us in prayer through the Ordination Livestream on YouTube.
Please Keep Our Future Deacons in Your Prayers!
As Matt, Joseph, Frank, and Joshua prepare for this sacred day, let us ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen their vocations, deepen their love for Jesus Christ and His Church, and fill their hearts with courage, humility, and joy.
May Our Lady, Mother of Priests, watch over these four men as they continue answering God’s call with generous and faithful hearts! ❤️🙏
