By Rose Gamier
From parishioners to lay ministers, who were installed as lectors then acolytes then deacons, five men will now be ordained as Permanent Deacons of the diocese – this culmination taking place this weekend on April 7, 2018, Saturday, 10AM at Mt. Carmel Cathedral. Let us take a look and get to know them a bit more…
Antonio Yarobwemal
Saint Jude Parish
Deacon Tony, originally from Woleai, Yap, is the current CCD Coordinator of San Jude Parish, and has been a long-time active parishioner, serving as Eucharistic Minister, visiting the sick every week and helping in the Youth Ministry. He is a member of CNMI Marriage Encounter and Cursillo Movement. He joined the Lay Ministry program five years ago and has thought about entering the diaconate for a while, as he wanted to deepen his knowledge about faith and serve the people at a different level.
It took him a long discernment while he continues to attend retreats, day of prayer, bible studies, etc. He believes it was the Holy Spirit that inspired him to be a deacon. His thoughts on his ordination? “It is surreal (that it is actually going to happen). I have mixed feelings – excited, anxious, and nervous. It is a huge undertaking; however, I trust the Lord that he will provide guidance to carry out my duties as Deacon,” he said. He hopes to be able to minister to those in need and help the diocese in any way he could. As for his family, he sees little adjustments in the way they do things are in order with his wife of 23 years, Linda, and 2 children, Lee Anne, 22, and Hans Christopher, 14.
Estanislao Roque Kogure Benavente
Saint Jude Parish
Deacon Stan is from Saipan who grew up in Guam and returned to the island in 1988. He owns a medical company, selling and servicing equipment for 23 years. He is married to Annie M. Benavente with 2 kids and 7 grandchildren.
So what motivated him to be a deacon? “The spirit moved me to become a deacon as I enjoy service in the church, and I have had several good role models over the past several years who have helped me grow closer to God. I believe my motivation started over 20 years ago after I made a Cursillo weekend, and from there the desire seem to grow as I got more involved with my parish. The individuals who inspired me most, especially during the start of this journey to the deaconate was Fr. Joe Billotti who was pastor of St. Jude around the time I started volunteering at the parish, and Deacon Larry Claros in Guam, who is also the godfather for my oldest son,” he said. His active involvement in the parish and the lay ministry program helped him prepare to be one. With this, he expects more work in terms of diocesan-wide programs and ministries, but overall, sees this to have a positive effect on families, friends and the people around him, fostering better relationship as they grow spiritually.
He is “anxious but still at peace” with his decision, and given the shortage of priests and religious in the diocese, looks forward to serving the people of God. “As a deacon, I would just like to know that I am able to help people grow in faith, and help the church care for all those in need of comfort and the poor,” he said.
Rosiky Flores Camacho
Sta. Soledad Parish
He was a three-time representative for Precinct One, a vocational education director, a long-time educator, and for the past seven years – a Bee Keeper. Deacon Rosiky has always been an active parishioner – from membership to leadership role and considers himself a “mechanical” person, having to do routine responsibilities.
It was when he joined the lay ministry program under Pali Ken Hezel five years ago that he dedicated his time to diaconate formation and deepened his spiritual life, realizing that he has a much greater purpose in life. He then started to pray more and read theological books. Asked how his being a deacon would affect his family, friends and co-workers, he said, “For my family, there are still great challenges that I am still who I am but with a different attitude of life style. For my work, I am giving a lot of credit to MCS family for their support and understanding. To my friends, I should understand them and be the role model as Jesus taught us in the Scriptures. My action will speak for itself with the help of the Holy Spirit.” He is joyful of his ordination but admits uncertainties in proclaiming the word of God and so he entrusts himself completely in the Lord. Visiting the sick in homes and hospital and giving them Communion has been a humbling experience for him and he hopes that as a deacon, he would be able to help better the lives of our less fortunate brothers and sisters, especially their children.
Jeffrey Tenorio Camacho
Mount Carmel Cathedral
Saying “yes” to the invitation to serve led Deacon Jeff Camacho to the diaconate. He was born and raised a Catholic in Saipan and is married to her wife Sonia. They are blessed with two beautiful daughters: Guadalupe and Soledad. Here’s what he told us about himself:
I work for the government at the Department of Labor. I enjoy cooking for my family and singing and being a family man. More than 10 years ago, I started getting involved with the church, first doing collection during mass and then I was asked to read and also help during fiestas. I joined the Ave Maria Choir that sings at masses. I was asked if I can be a Eucharistic Minister, and I did. I felt that this was a calling to come and serve God and from there on I continued serving the Lord and my family has supported me ever since. I had to make changes in my life, to be more Christian like, in caring in loving and in supporting one another. My thoughts of being ordained is the call of God and I am very happy to say yes to his calling to serve him and to assist our bishop and the priests. And I hope that if people see me up at the alter serving or hear from the comrnunity that l’m a deacon that they will also change and come back to church and pray. lf I can make a difference and have at least one come back, l’m happy.
Thomas Joseph Schweiger
Santa Remedios Parish
Legal matters may keep him busy but this certainly did not deter Deacon Tom Schweiger to heed his vocation to the diaconate. Originally from Chicago, Illinois. He came out to Micronesia in 1992 where he worked in Chuuk as an attorney for Micronesian Legal Services Corp. That is where he met my wife Rosemarie and eventually got married. They moved to Saipan in 1994 and have always been members of Sta. Remedios Parish. “It is the people of this parish, in Tanapag, who have shown me through their kindness and caring for one another, what community really means. This is what inspired me to become a Deacon and serve the Church.” he said.
To all our Deacons, congratulations and may the Lord guide and bless you in your new ministry.
