By Sam M. Lucero
Catholic Herald

Bishop ordains Larry Bauer to diaconate

AMERY -- A large blue banner adorning a wall near the sanctuary of St. Joseph Church greeted Larry Bauer as he entered the church July 29. The banner, designed by members of the parish, captured the essence of a long journey for Bauer. A journey that would end that day in his ordination to the permanent diaconate. It read: "Speak Lord. Your servant is listening."

Bauer, the servant, was ordained by Bishop Raphael M. Fliss before several hundred friends and family members, including his wife, mother, three children and their families. During the ordination rite, Bauer promised his obedience to the bishop and to practice and preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Before conferring the Sacrament of Holy Orders on Bauer, the bishop recognized Gloria Bauer for the important role she has played in her husband's preparation. Fliss also singled out the candidate's mother, Rita Bauer, and children, Debra Bowers and Chris and Mitchell Bauer. He then joined the congregation in applauding the candidate's family.

In his homily, Fliss told the congregation that through ordination, Bauer "will draw a new strength from the gift of the spirit."

"Through that gift of this ordination and sacrament, he will become a great help to me, the body of priests, and our local church," said Fliss. "He's destined now as an official representative of the church."

The bishop outlined the ministerial tasks Bauer would enjoy.

"He's going to be a servant to all. He's going to bring that word of God to believer and unbeliever alike," said Fliss. "He's going to preside over public prayer, he's going to baptize, he's going to assist in marriages, he's going to visit the sick, the homebound, the hospitalized. He's going to bring Viaticum (Communion) to those who are dying. "

The bishop then directed his words to Bauer.

"Be always a man of good reputation above every single suspicion," he said. "Be a generous distributor of God's bountiful grace. Do this in the measure that you have received these gifts. Pray God that the way you go about your duties makes every one of us recognize you as a disciple of Jesus who came to serve and not be served."

The Sacrament of Holy Orders is a gift, said Fliss. "But it's a gift that has been given to you not so much for you, but for others. For the church."

Following the homily, Bauer approached the bishop, who stood before the altar. Assisted by Fr. John Drummy, pastor, and Deacon Norbert Brossmer, Fliss questioned Bauer about his desire to serve the church as ordained minister.

After affirming his intention to serve, Bauer knelt before the bishop and promised obedience and respect to the bishop and his successors. The congregation was then invited to pray for Bauer. As the Litany of the Saints was sung, Bauer lay prostrate before the altar -- an ancient gesture symbolizing humility.

The litany was followed by the Laying on of Hands. Placing his hands on Bauer's head, Fliss solemnly called upon the Holy Spirit to confer the sacrament on the candidate. He then offered a prayer of consecration for Bauer.

With ordination conferred, Bauer was presented with the deacon's stole, a symbol of his ministry. The stole was presented by Bauer's wife and mother to Deacon Florian Heiser, who then vested the new deacon in the stole.

Bauer again approached the bishop and knelt. Gloria Bauer presented Fliss with the Book of Gospels and looked on as Fliss handed the book to Bauer, instructing him to "believe, preach and practice the Gospel of Christ."

With the ordination rite complete, Fliss stood and embraced the newly ordained deacon. Fellow deacons who attended the ceremony approached the altar and also embraced Bauer.

Following the ordination liturgy Bauer credited his mother and father for instilling in him a strong faith at an early age. He also thanked his wife and children for unending support and love.

In an interview, Bauer noted that 2001 is filled with important milestones: his 65th birthday, 40th wedding anniversary, and now ordination. "As I'm getting older ... I'm starting to realize how much my faith means to me," he said.

As a deacon, Bauer said his job will be to express this love by serving others.

Bauer once considered priestly vocation

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© Superior Catholic Herald, 2001