Deacon Jack’s ordination a “celebration of hope”

By Mary Brazell, 27 July 2022
Deacon Jack Elkazzi with Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, following the Mass of Ordination to the Diaconate at St Bernadette's Parish, Castle Hill. Image: Diocese of Parramatta

 

As he exited St Bernadette’s Parish, Castle Hill, the normally quiet and reserved Jack Elkazzi was beaming as he was welcomed by drummers and a mizmar player triumphantly proclaiming his ordination.

On Saturday 23 July, Jack was ordained by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, to the diaconate in front of family, friends and the parish community he has been serving for 18 months.

Deacon Jack Elkazzi (centre) is seen following the Mass of Ordination to the Diaconate at St Bernadette’s Parish, Castle Hill. Image: Diocese of Parramatta

Priests, deacons and parishioners of the Maronite Catholic Community also attended and celebrated alongside clergy from the Diocese of Parramatta.

“It’s always a great joy and a celebration of hope on the day of an ordination in the Diocese and today is no exception,” Bishop Vincent said.

“We come together to pray and commend our brother Jack for the grace of ordination and the life of Christian service.

“Please continue to pray for Jack as he progresses on this journey.”

Deacon Jack Elkazzi embraces Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta during the Mass of Ordination to the Diaconate at St Bernadette’s Parish, Castle Hill. Image: Diocese of Parramatta

Bishop Vincent honours those who helped in formation of Jack

During his homily, Bishop Vincent paid tribute to those who had helped Jack on his path of pursuing God’s vision for the whole world.

“Castle Hill has been a formative community, which in addition to the Holy Spirit Seminary, shaped Jack into the worker of God’s vineyard and an agent of the Kingdom.

“I pay tribute to Fr Paul Marshall, Fr John Frauenfelder and their predecessors in Fr John Hogan and Fr Chris de Souza in helping shape Jack into the person that he is today and who he is to become.

“I pay tribute to his family, his parents and his siblings, who were the first teachers of Jack, even in the way of Christian faith, not just by words but primarily by exemplars of Christian living.”

RELATED: ‘Dear friends’ – Bishop Vincent’s homily from 23 July

Bishop Vincent explained that we are all called to follow a pathway that is oriented to the Kingdom in spite of all things that are contrary.

Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, delivers the homily during the Mass of Ordination to the Diaconate of Jack Elkazzi at St Bernadette’s Parish, Castle Hill. Image: Diocese of Parramatta

“Today’s liturgy reminds us that nothing in this world, not even our human frailty, can derail God’s plan. On the other hand, it also calls us to be participants of that plan, that we are not to be indifferent or oblivious to God’s intent for humanity.

“We are privileged to embody and enact the vision of God as for humanity and all His creation.

“Like Jesus, we must persist in being the agents of the Good News, we must never shirk from the call to be the visible sacrament of God’s love, even in the midst of division, uncertainty and despair.

“May we persevere on our pilgrimage of faith and work towards the reality we hope for.”

Jack: “Thank you one and all”

In his words of thanks following his ordination, an emotional Deacon Jack thanked everyone who had supported and prayed for him over his many years of formation.

“I thank Bishop Vincent for ordaining me and for over the years, your encouragement, prayers and show of support for the seminarians.

Deacon Jack Elkazzi speaks during the Mass of Ordination to the Diaconate at St Bernadette’s Parish, Castle Hill. Image: Diocese of Parramatta

“I would like to thank Fr Fernando [Montano, parish priest], Fr Jobi [Payyappilly, assistant parish priest] and all the parishioners of Castle Hill and each parish that has supported and formed me over the eight years – thank you all and a sincere thanks for all your prayers, your support and words of encouragement and for constantly helping us grow in our vocations.

“My friends – you are all dear to me and I love you all, you are more than friends, you are family – you are my brothers and sisters in Christ. The journey has been long, and without you, it wouldn’t be possible.

“To my family, it’s by God’s grace and blessings that I am here. Mum, I love you and thank you for everything.

“I will always remember you in my prayers every time I come to the altar and every time I pray, you will always be with me.”

Outpouring of support from across the Diocese

In the parish’s weekly bulletin, Fr Fernando described Deacon Jack as being called to serve with a special grace. “He is responding to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. He is sent by the Church to be the presence of Christ to those in need. Congratulations Jack, to the order of deacons,” he wrote.

Deacon Jack Elkazzi is prostrate in front of the altar during the Mass of Ordination to the Diaconate at St Bernadette’s Parish, Castle Hill. Image: Diocese of Parramatta

A message from the parish community read, “We are very proud of Jack and thankful for all the work he has done as a seminarian here over the past 18 months. We continue to pray for Jack as he continues to answer God’s call.”

Following the ordination, members of the faithful across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains shared messages of joy and congratulations to Deacon Jack.

“We are so proud of you Deacon Jack,” one user commented on the Diocese of Parramatta Facebook page.

“Congratulations and God’s abundant blessings on your journey with Christ,” said another.

As his first official appointment, Deacon Jack will continue to serve the parish community of St Bernadette’s, Castle Hill.

View images from Deacon Jack’s ordination here or below:

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