Cruz was one of seven men ordained to the diaconate of the Diocese of San Bernardino by Auxiliary Bishop Rutilio del Riego on November 21st. The celebration took place at Sacred Heart Church in Rancho Cucamonga.
A crowd of 1,400 packed the church to watch Cruz, Ayed Khader, Alfonso Martinez, Mark Martinez, Joseph Moorman, Guadalupe Ramirez and Armando Servin become permanent Deacons.
Their ordination comes after four years of formal training and, in many cases, years of soul searching.
“I spent about three to four years thinking about it. I felt a pulling, like there may be something there,” explained Mark Martinez.
During formation, that spiritual tug often needed a push from a deacon.
“Sometimes they gave us a swift kick, sometimes a gentle reminder,” Moorman joked.
Equally important to the process were the mens’ wives; Deborah Cruz, Dina Khader, Maria Elena Martinez, Emily Martinez, Monica Moorman, Maria Ramirez and Yolanda Servin. All were recognized for saying yes when their husbands wanted to become deacons.
“I was shocked. But it’s a blessing,” said Emily Martinez.
Deborah Cruz was enthusiastic from the beginning. “Let’s do it!” she recalls saying. “We always end up somewhere good.”
Now that training is over, the real work begins. Deacons are able to proclaim the Gospel and give homilies at Mass, preside over baptisms, weddings and funerals. They also supervise acts of charity such as food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters.
“The first deacons were called to serve,” said Bishop Rutillo del Riego. “To reach out and better serve those who were not served well enough. For this they were chosen.”
Bishop del Riego went on to say that it’s an exciting time to join the Diaconate.
“You are ordained right before the Jubilee Year of Mercy in which the Spirit will inspire and strengthen…”
The new deacons will focus on different ministries according to their interests and the needs of the Diocese and the parish where they are assigned.
“I want to help sick people. I want to console them, pray with them.” said Ayed Khader.
Mark Martinez who is a Sergeant with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department will focus on social justice.
“In law enforcement, I’ve seen the darkness, I want to bring the lightness,” Martinez said. “There is a connection between serving God and serving community.”
This concept was echoed by law enforcement colleagues who came to support Martinez.
“Now he has two roles,” said San Bernardino County Deputy Henry Sanchez. “He’s a huge role model. I’m speechless.”
Bishop del Riego took it further, reminding the new deacons they must be “men beyond reproach” and “faith disciples.”
“It’s not just what I say anymore but what the Church says,” noted Cruz.
His thirteen-year-old daughter, Monica, also feels the weight of dad’s new title.
“I have to be a good person!” she says.
Cruz will serve at St. Margaret Mary Parish in Chino, Khader at The Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Redlands, Alfonso Martinez at St. Bernardine Parish in San Bernardino, Mark Martinez at Immaculate Conception Parish in Colton, Moorman at St. Joseph Parish in Barstow, Ramirez at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Rancho Cucamonga and Servin at St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish in Temecula.
Natalie Romano is a freelance writer and a parishioner of The Holy Name of Jesus in Redlands.