Deacon Anniversaries: Deacon Michael Murtha, Deacon Joseph Ragucci, Deacon Corpus Valentin

Deacon Michael Murtha
Relocated, PA
30 Years

While Deacon Michael Murtha is currently serving in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, he makes it clear that a piece of his heart is still very much in the Diocese of Metuchen.  Born in Pittston, Pa., Deacon Murtha spent his early life in Pa. before moving to N.J. in 1980. He then became a parishioner at Our Lady of Victories, Sayreville.

After a few years there, he was approached by one of the associate priests and asked if he ever considered the diaconate. While he was praying about this,  Msgr Terrance Lawler, then pastor, mentioned the question to Murtha again. Deacon Michael recalls, “[This was] without knowing it had been brought up before, and I knew it was a call from the Holy Spirit.” Deacon Michael attended the College of St. Elizabeth in Morristown, and was ordained May 21, 1994, by the late Bishop Edward T. Hughes.

Deacon Murtha continued his service to the diocese in St. Cecilia, Monmouth Junction, until he returned to his home state of Pennsylvania in 2019. Today, he serves in St Joseph’s in Downingtown, Pa., as parish ministry coordinator where he oversees a total of 75 ministries. It is the vibrancy of the parish that speaks to Murtha’s heart. “We have seven masses each weekend and each one is full!” he said.

Particularly meaningful for Deacon Murtha is his work in bereavement ministry and walking with parishioners through grief. Witnessing how the members of the group support and love one another while carrying their own cross, has particularly inspired him. “This has been the biggest source of grace for me. I marvel at the fact that we are all wounded healers.”

In reflecting on his 30th anniversary. Deacon Murtha calls the work he has been able to do over the years “truly humbling.” He continues to find the Lord’s sustaining goodness in the love and support of his family and the parishioners.  I’m constantly reminded of the goodness of the people of the parishes because I see it every day.”

By Annie Nason, Correspondent

 

 

Deacon Joseph Ragucci
St. John Vianney, Colonia
30 Years

Deacon Joseph Ragucci has spent the past thirty years serving the parish of St. John Vianney in Colonia. Originally from Woodbridge, his call to the diaconate began at St. Joseph’s Parish, Carteret, where he and his wife Rose were parishioners during their first fifteen years of their marriage.

It was in meeting, learning and serving alongside the Servite Priests and the Servants of Mary there when he first felt called to and encouraged to use his gifts to become a deacon. Though he and his wife moved from Carteret and became active at St. John Vianney Parish, the connection to the community there inspired them to continue to serve at St. Joseph’s for a time.

Deacon Ragucci attended the College of St. Elizabeth, Morristown, and was ordained a deacon on May 21, 1994, by the late Bishop Edward T. Hughes in the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen. Over the years he has served at the helm of many parish ministries at St. John Vianney including being parish coordinator for adult education working with the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, Pre-Cana, and adult Confirmation, as well as young adult ministries just to name a few.

Deacon Ragucci notes, however, that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has changed some things. Though he is less involved in coordinating these programs today, there is no shortage of ways for Ragucci to serve the parish. “The diaconate has been a real gift to me. Fundamentally, I’ve been a servant my entire life,” he said, “I always feel the call and do what I am asked.”

In reflecting on his thirtieth anniversary, Deacon Ragucci is particularly grateful to have known the families of the parish for the past thirty years and to have walked with them through generations of Sacraments including many Marriages and Baptisms. Outside of his ministry, Ragucci loves spending quality time with his family especially his wife, Rose, daughter Rosalie,  son-in Law John, and grandson, Benjamin.

By Annie Nason, Correspondent



 

Deacon Corpus Valentin
Retired
30 Years

If a man is considering the permanent diaconate, Deacon Corpus Valentin “always” encourages him. Afterall, the Church needs more workers, and deacons – ordained clergy – are needed in areas like service, evangelization, catechesis and liturgy.

Plus, Deacon Valentin enjoyed being a deacon and therefore recommends it.

A native of Puerto Rico who moved to New Jersey in 1960 after serving in the U.S. military, Deacon Valentin, 86, worked as a machine operator. He is married and had three children (two are living); he has 10 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Though he had been going to Mass all his life, he did not consider the permanent diaconate until his pastor at Assumption Parish, Perth Amboy, Father Vidal Martinez, suggested it. “I never could say no to him,” Deacon Valentin said with a laugh. “One day he asked if I would like to be a deacon, and I said yes. I saw other deacons, and I liked what they were doing.”

After training for the permanent diaconate through the Diocese of Metuchen, Deacon Valentin was ordained in 1994 at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen; Father Martinez vested him.

During his years of service, Deacon Valentin preached – mostly in Spanish – performed baptisms, volunteered at a soup kitchen, presided at funerals and burials and visited the sick. He also was involved in Cursillo and the Charismatic Renewal.

The deacon served for about a dozen years before his retirement at age 75.

He and his wife, Ana, now live in an apartment in an assisted living center in Edison.

But he keeps in touch with many people from the parish who visit and call; some even visit to pray the Rosary occasionally.

The best part of being a deacon was the people, he said. “I love my church. The best years of my life have been spent there.”

By Cori Urban, Contributing Editor