Gulf Pine Catholic • June 19, 2026 3 Gulf Pine Catholic (ISSN No. 0746-3804) June 19, 2026 Volume 43 Issue 18 The GULF PINE CATHOLIC, published every other week, is an official publication of the Catholic Diocese of Biloxi. Editorial offices are located at 1790 Popps Ferry Road, Biloxi, MS 39532. Periodical postage paid at Gulfport, MS. —POSTMASTER— Send address changes to: The GULF PINE CATHOLIC 1790 Popps Ferry Road Biloxi, MS 39532 —PUBLISHER— Most Rev. Louis F. Kihneman —EDITOR— Terry Dickson —PRODUCTION / ADVERTISING / BILLING CIRCULATION — Shirley McCusker —OFFICEHOURS— 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday —PHONE NUMBERS— Editor: 228-702-2126 Production /Advertising Billing / Circulatiuon: 228-702-2109 —EMAIL— News: tdickson@biloxidiocese.org Production / Advertising Billing / Circulation: smccusker@biloxidiocese.org —OFFICEAND MAILINGADDRESS — 1790 Popps Ferry Road Biloxi, MS 39532 —WEBSITE— www.gulfpinecatholic.com —SUBSCRIPTIONS — Subscription rate is $18 per year. When changing address, renewing or inquiring about a subscription, customer should include a recent address label with old address and new address. Allow three weeks for changes of address. DEADLINES for JULY 24 News copy and photos: Due JULY 14, 4 p.m. Advertising: Completed Ad and/or copy due JULY 14, 10 a.m. BY BISHOP LOUIS F. KIHNEMAN III Bishop of Biloxi “Let those who are to be ordained deacons come forward.” Those simple words begin one of the most moving moments in the life of the Church. In the Rite of Ordination to the Diaconate, the Church publicly calls men forward for service at the altar, in the proclamation of the Gospel and in works of charity. Recently, Christopher Patrick Collins and Jacob Alexander Lott stepped forward as Holy Mother Church asked that they “be ordained to the responsibility of deacon.” The rite immediately emphasizes that ordination is not simply a personal achievement or milestone. It is a call from Christ through the Church. When asked if the candidates are worthy, the response is powerful: “After inquiry among the Christian people and upon the recommendation of those responsible for their formation, I testify that they have been found worthy.” The Church then places its trust not in human strength alone, but in God’s grace: “Relying on the help of the Lord God and of our Savior Jesus Christ, we choose these our brothers for the order of the diaconate.” The entire rite reflects the spirit of the early Church found in the Acts of the Apostles, when seven men “filled with the Spirit and wisdom” were chosen for ministry and service" (Acts 6:1-6). The deacon is first and foremost a servant. The word itself comes from the Greek word diakonos, meaning servant or minister. The rite explains this beautifully: “Strengthened by the gift of the Holy Spirit, they will help the bishop, priests and pastors in the ministries of the word Bishop Kihneman Called to Serve and of the altar and of charity, showing themselves to be servants of all.” That ministry takes many forms. Deacons proclaim the Gospel, preach, assist at the altar, distribute Holy Communion and serve the people of God in countless acts of charity. The rite says they are called to “proclaim the gospel, prepare the sacrifice, distribute the body and blood of the Lord to the faithful.” (Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26) Their ministry extends beyond the sanctuary walls. At the direction of the bishop, deacons also exhort believers and unbelievers alike, preside over public prayer, administer baptism, assist at marriages, bring viaticum to the dying and conduct funeral rites. (Matthew 28:19-20; James 5:14-15) At the heart of the diaconate stands Jesus Christ himself. The rite points directly to Christ as the model for every deacon: “In all these duties, let them act with the help of God in such a way that you recognize them as disciples of Him who did not come to be served, but to serve.” (Mark 10:45) That single line may capture the heart of Christian discipleship itself. The deacon becomes a visible reminder to the entire Church that greatness is found not in power or recognition, but in humble service. The ordinands are reminded that Jesus gave this example personally at the Last Supper: “And so as deacons, that is, as ministers of Jesus Christ, who appeared in the midst of the disciples as one who serves, do the will of God in charity from the heart. Serve others with joy as you would serve the Lord.” (Luke 22:27; Colossians 3:23-24) The rite also emphasizes the importance of holiness and integrity. The candidates are told to be like those first chosen by the apostles: “Men of good reputation, full of wisdom and the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 6:3) For those ordained as transitional deacons, the Church speaks movingly about celibacy, describing it as “a sign of pastoral charity” and “a source of spiritual fruit and fruitfulness in the world.” (Matthew 19:12; 1 Corinthians 7:32-35) Through this total dedication, the ordinands are told they “will cling more readily to Christ, with an undivided heart.” Near the end of the exhortation comes one of the most repeated and memorable lines of the rite: “Do not allow yourselves to be turned away from the hope of the gospel in which you are now called.” (Colossians 1:23) Those words are directed not only to the newly ordained, but to all Christians. Every baptized person is called to remain rooted in the hope of the Gospel, even in a world filled with distractions, discouragement and division. The Rite of Ordination reminds us that the Church continues the mission entrusted by Christ to the apostles. Through the laying on of hands, a ministry “passed down from the apostles” continues in every generation. And at its heart remains the example of Jesus Christ -- the one who came not to be served, but to serve. Please continue to pray for Deacons Christopher Collins and Jacob Lott as they begin their ministry of service in the Church. God willing, these two men will be ordained to the priesthood next year, continuing their journey of faithfully answering Christ’s call to serve His people. SEE BISHOP’S SPANISH COLUMN, PAGE 4 July 25 Consecration of a Virgin Living in the World, Nativity BVM Cathedral, Biloxi, 10:30 a.m. Bishop Kihneman’s Schedule
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