Deacon Ordination: Deacon R. Rivera, Deacon A. Scarpantonio, Deacon A. Woods, Deacon J. Ocampo

Deacon Ricardo Rivera

Ricardo Rivera, a member of Parish of the Visitation, New Brunswick, credits the Lord’s patience and guidance for his decision to pursue the diaconate. “My journey of becoming a deacon has been all about opening my heart to the Lord, listening to Him and saying ‘yes’ without hesitation,” he said.

The first life-changing ‘yes’ was uttered to his wife, Brenda, when she asked for his help with the parish’s Christmas play. “Looking back, I would have never imagined that volunteering to help my wife … would have resulted in me joining the Knights of Columbus,” said Rivera. “[It] led me to establish a personal relationship with holy priests who demonstrated the beauty of falling in love with our Lord and serving His Church.”

Deacon Rivera was born in Boston in 1971 to the late Ramon Rivera and Carmen Hernandez; the family moved to Puerto Rico when he was a toddler. He graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Puerto Rico. Relocating to New Jersey two decades ago, he has worked at major pharmaceutical companies, and currently serves as executive director of clinical supply operations at Bristol Myers Squibb.

Rivera earned a master’s degree in theology from Seton Hall University’s Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology; he selected Father Michael Fragoso, pastor of his parish, to vest him as a deacon. The deacon has ministered at his parish as an acolyte, lector and catechist to adults.

As for the future, Deacon Rivera admitted, “I don’t have a specific plan about what I want to achieve… At this time, my goal as a deacon is ‘not to be served but to serve,’ and, as one of my favorite prayers says, ‘Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.’”

By Christina Leslie, Contributing Editor

 

 

Deacon Anthony Scarpantonio

“I am looking forward to serving the Church and guiding all who wish to journey towards our Lord, whether they are already on their way, or have questions and wish to learn about our faith,” said Deacon Anthony Scarpantonio when reflecting upon his new role in ministry. Sometimes, that service might not have to include any questions at all, he continued, adding, “I could just be their ear when they need someone to talk to.”

Born in 1967 in Brooklyn, N.Y., as one of five children of the late John and Rachael Scarpantonio, Anthony attended elementary and middle schools in the borough of Queens, returning to Brooklyn to graduate from Brooklyn Tech High School. He earned his HVAC certification from Apex Technical School, and has worked at the National Grid (formerly Keyspan / Brooklyn Union Gas Company) since 1987, currently holding the position of lead tech, facilities management.

Deacon Scarpantonio is a member of Christ the Redeemer Parish, Manville; his pastor, Redemptorist Father Stanislaw Staby, was his vesting priest. His ministry at the parish has included leading Bible study, lectoring, serving as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion and teaching religious education. He and his wife, Linda, have two children.

The new deacon spoke once again about how he might be a source of comfort to those seeking the truth. He observed, “I believe that there is a lot of loneliness and misunderstanding in the world today. Sometimes people just need someone to listen to them, and once that’s done, then I could walk with them on their own journey.”

By Christina Leslie, Contributing Editor

 

 

Deacon Anthony Woods

Asked to explain the reasons he pursued the diaconate, Deacon Anthony Woods of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Whitehouse Station, gave three. “I was asked by my pastor [Father Leonard Rusay,] and my wife, and I have always been a ‘Bible nerd,’” he freely admitted. “I have always been involved in the community and with my kids, so this is a good next step.”

Woods was born in Irvington in 1964 as one of two children of James and Mary Woods. He attended Christ the King elementary school, Hillside, then South Orange’s Seton Hall Preparatory School. Woods earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Seton Hall University.

The deacon has spent his professional career at major firms in the roles of data analyst, engineer and architect, most recently as principal data architect at Pershing.

At Our Lady of Lourdes, Deacon Woods has served as lector and extraordinary minister of Holy Communion; contributions to the community include membership in the Knights of Columbus, scoutmaster, junior baseball youth coach and player/treasurer/vice president of the Celtic Theater Company. He and his wife, Elizabeth, whom he calls “my greatest ally” in pursuing the diaconate, have three children. His pastor, Father Rusay, served as his vesting priest at the ordination.

“I love being part of the liturgy,” Deacon Woods said, and anticipates assisting the parish in myriad ways. He advises others contemplating the diaconate to “pray a lot,” and shared advice from two friends.

“When I first heard the call, I went through all the emotions and wondered if I was worthy,” he recalled. “Two of my friends told me, ‘It is not your decision if you are worthy or not. If you believe the call is genuine, you are worthy.”

By Christina Leslie, Contributing Editor

 

 

Deacon Jerome Ocampo

Transitional Deacon Jerome Ocampo sees his ordination as a milestone allowing him to “increase my desire and knowledge on how to live my life as a priest,” he said.

Deacon Ocampo was born in 1994 in Malolos Bulacan, Philippines to Malourdes and the late Isagani Ocampo. He attended grammar and high school in the Philippines, then earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from that island nation’s St. Camillus College Seminary. He also completed further studies in theology from Seton Hall University’s Immaculate Conception Seminary, South Orange.

Deacon Ocampo was ordained May 3 by Bishop James F. Checchio in the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen.

His assignments include ministry in Immaculate Conception Parish, Spotswood; Our Lady of the Mount Parish, Warren; St. Joseph Parish, Carteret, and his current assignment in Parish of the Visitation, New Brunswick. He was vested as a deacon by Deacon Vincent Brigande of St. John Vianney Parish, Colonia.

“To be a deacon is inseparable in the life of the priest,” he explained, “because the life of the deacon is the life of service. The word ‘deacon’ is from the Greek word diakonos meaning ‘servant’ or ‘messenger.’ Being at the service of others and to be a messenger of God’s love to people is the core mission of the priest.”

By Christina Leslie, Contributing Editor