A New Priest for the Church
Next weekend is the ordination to the priesthood of Deacon Alex Dugas. He needs no introduction, but I can’t help myself. Deacon Alex was born and raised in Huber Heights and after graduating from Wright State University, he entered the seminary in formation for the priesthood.
He spent a year at our parishes on pastoral internship from August 2020 to May 2021. Similarly, Christopher Buschur just completed his official year of pastoral internship. Deacon Alex has been around since his internship concluded. Most notably, last April the day after he was ordained a deacon, he preached Sunday Mass at St. Lawrence and Immaculate Conception.
Deacon Alex had an interesting internship here. The whole world was emerging from the COVID lockdowns which made internship difficult. Many parishioners hadn’t returned to Mass yet. He was not able to join the priests for hospital visits or Mass at the nursing home. He experienced the tension of people saying that we weren’t cautious enough in our response or that we were overly cautious in our response. The moral of the story, it was a unique and difficult year to try to “get a taste of parish life.”
Nonetheless, he persevered and experienced the grace of a vocation, the wonderment of being called by God to serve Him and His people. I am incredibly excited for Deacon Alex. Over the last couple years, he has been a wonderful friend. He has challenged me, when I’ve been less than charitable, and laughed at my dumb jokes. It is incredibly humbling to walk alongside someone on their journey to priesthood.
Deacon Alex will be ordained at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains in Cincinnati on Saturday. Then on Sunday, May 21 at 3:30pm, Father Alex Dugas will offer his First Mass at St. Joseph Church in Wapakoneta. Everyone is invited to attend this Mass of Thanksgiving. It is at 3:30pm so that many friends, family members, and brother priests can make the trip from Cincinnati and elsewhere.
Thank you to everyone who gave to his vestment fund. I am sure that he will be grateful for the support and generosity that he received. Please join me in praying for Deacon Alex Dugas. He will spend this last week of preparation on retreat. Pray that the Lord may give him abundant peace and confidence in His love, mercy, and providence.
One piece of parish-related business. John Borger, who began as our Business Manager in March, has decided to leave this position. Due to unforeseen circumstances, this position was not a good fit. We wish John the best in his future endeavors. Cindy Quellhorst has agreed to assume her former role during this time of transition. We are very grateful for her generous “yes.”
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Sean Wilson
