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Five men are to be ordained for the Albany Diocese June 12, the first time in 28 years the Diocese has had clerical contingent that size. Typically, over the past decade, one or two have received holy orders each year.

"This should certainly give people hope for the future," said Rev. James Walsh, a member of the diocesan Vocations Team. "This is a quality bunch that will serve people well. They bring diversity in age and background."

The men recently received their call to holy orders from Bishop Howard J. Hubbard. For each, it follows a period of discernment and six years of seminary study.

"It is a great source of joy and promise for the Diocese," Bishop Hubbard told The Evangelist.

Against the widespread de-cline in vocations, he added, "Hopefully, these young men will inspire others." He said the ordination "will be a nice way to baptize" the newly-renovated Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany.

The youngest candidate, David Hammond, 26, studied philosophy in college and has worked as a camp counselor, lifeguard and electrician's apprentice. He is also a chaplain candidate in the U.S. Navy.

The oldest, Daniel Ryan, 40, of Lake George, studied finance at Clarian University and has worked as an auto insurance manager.

Matthew Wetsel, 29, from Rotterdam, earned a degree in religious studies from Siena College in Loudonville before entering the seminary.

Quy Vo, 31, based at St. Helen's parish in Niskayuna, and has a degree in music from SUNY-Potsdam and worked as an organist and parish music director.

Rendell Torres, 39, an accomplished cellist and engineer, worked most recently as a professor of architectural acoustics at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy.

Rev. Mr. Vo was born in Vietnam, Rev. Mr. Torres is of Filipino background - both groups of growing size in the Diocese.

Father Walsh cautioned that this group is unique in size: "This is not going to be the pattern for the next several years. After this, we have six men in seminary. So we still need to work hard to call forth more men to the priesthood."

On May 30, two seminarians - James Taylor and Jay Atherton - will be ordained as transitional or temporary deacons, which means they will likely become priests next year. On the same day, two men will become permanent deacons: Walter Ayres and Paul Kisselback.

(05/06/10) [[In-content Ad]]

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