Stuart Long ordained a deacon Dec. 16

By Cathy Tilzey
The third weekend of Advent was a special occasion for Ss Cyril and Methodius Parish in East Helena, as Stuart Ignatius Long was ordained a transitional deacon – a major step in the journey to the priesthood.
His parents, William and Kathleen Long, and other family members sat in a front pew, watching as Bishop George Leo Thomas ordained the seminarian during the Saturday evening Mass on Dec. 16, 2006.
The ceremony began with the bishop asking Father Tom O’Donnell, pastor of Ss Cyril and Methodius and diocesan director of priestly vocations, if Long was prepared for ordination. “He is,” Father O’Donnell answered.
Prayers followed and the litany was sung by the parish choir. Then Bishop Thomas laid his hands on Long’s head to ordain him. Permanent Deacon Robert C. Miller vested him.
The new deacon dressed the altar and assisted the bishop throughout the liturgy of the Eucharist.
A contingent of Knights of Columbus members, who have been supporting Deacon Long financially at Mount Angel Seminary in Oregon, provided a Fourth Degree honor guard for the procession and recession.
In his homily, Bishop Thomas called the deacon’s ordination “a living homily” and Deacon Long “a man filled with goodness and compassion, who has heard the voice of the Lord calling him by name. … The Church recognizes Stuart’s faith in Christ, his love of the Church, his own commitment to the poor and lowly, and his willingness to serve.”
Deacon Long described his ministry as service. “So for a six-month period, I will be a servant for Christ,” he said later. In June 2007, he will be ordained to the priesthood.
Born in Washington state, the new deacon is a fourth-year seminarian at Mount Angel Seminary, following a long journey of faith. He spent part of it in Montana, earning a degree in English literature and writing at Carroll College.
He said his formation has been “a bit different” than the norm. An adult convert, he was accepted into the Catholic Church on the Easter Vigil of 1994 in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. “And my life has undergone a complete transformation since that time,” he added.
He taught grades 9-12 at Bishop Alemany High School in the L.A. area for three years, then decided to join a religious order on the East Coast. He was loosely affiliated with the Capuchin Friars of the Renewal, who sent him to Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio, for 2½ “most informative” years.
Deacon Long offered some advice to those who might feel a call from Christ. First, “be patient with yourself,” he said. Don’t ignore the call or delay responding, but also don’t act rashly or rush into a situation where one may not fit.
Secondly, “use peace as your guide.” Father Glenn Sudano, a Franciscan Friar of the Renewal, once told him, “Peace is the signpost in the spiritual life. When you are at peace with yourself and your decision, you are headed in the right direction. When you are not at peace, you are moving away from God. Use peace as a guide to seek God’s will in your life.”
His third piece of advice is to “investigate the diversity through which we may serve Christ and His Church.” People can serve as permanent deacons, a diocesan or religious order priest, a religious brother or sister, or missionary priests, sisters or brothers. They can also be catechists, religious education directors, or serve in other capacities for a diocese, parish or mission.
“Investigate the wonderful diversity in how we may serve, but do so with patience,” Deacon Long said. “When we find peace, however, grab hold with both hands and hold on tight!”

Published in The Montana Catholic, Vol. 23, No. 1, January 15, 2007.