Diocese of Allentown ordains deacons

Diocese of Allentown Bishop Alfred Schlert ordained a Marian graduate as one of three transitional deacons in ceremonies at the Cathedral of Saint Catharine of Siena in Allentown on May 19. A transitional deacon is one step in becoming a priest.

Giuseppe C. Esposito, 36, of Allentown, was ordained with John C. Maria, 50, of Sinking Spring and Zachary R. Wehr, 27, of Whitehall.

He is the son of Joseph and Debra Esposito, and a graduate of Marian Catholic High School, Lehigh Carbon Community College and DeSales University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing.

He earned a Master of Divinity degree from St. Charles Seminary and is a member of the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena in Allentown.

The new transitional deacons are preparing for the priesthood at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary near Philadelphia.

All three men will spend the next year promoting charity, proclaiming the Gospel and administering the sacrament of baptism before being ordained a priest next spring.