Kevin Hostutler’s path to a religious vocation was shaped by two fathers.
He was one of eight men ordained to the permanent diaconate for the Archdiocese of Baltimore by Archbishop William E. Lori May 6 at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Homeland.
Participants in the liturgy included Monsignor Joseph L. Luca, his pastor at St. Louis in Clarksville, a leader in producing men and women for religious vocations, and his father, Jim, a permanent deacon in Scottsdale, Ariz., where he serves the Diocese of Phoenix.
“I can’t stop smiling,” Deacon Jim Hostutler said afterward.
His 48-year-old son stressed the “informational” benefits of being the son of a deacon.
“I’ve felt called to serve the church for about 30 years,” Deacon Kevin Hostutler said. “During our aspirancy, when we covered how a deacon ministers, there were no surprises.”
One of seven siblings, he was the only to leave Ohio, but did not miss out on having his father be part of the sacramental life of his own children.
Deacon Kevin Hostutler and his wife, Coleen, whose own extended family included a priest and nun, are the parents of five. Four of them were baptized by their grandfather, who, when asked about the emotions that experience brings, said, “I’m OK, as long as I don’t talk about it.”
The president of a Columbia-based software company, Deacon Kevin Hostutler attended Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio. Last year his three oldest children, Stephen, Kathryn and Matt, were all enrolled there simultaneously. The boys attended Mount St. Joseph High School, where Daniel Hostutler is in the class of 2019. Kathryn attended Mount de Sales Academy.
The youngest, Sean, a seventh-grader, followed his siblings to St. Louis School, part of a vibrant parish which nurtured his father’s vocation.
Pointing to previous diaconate classes that included fellow parishioners Scott Lancaster (2011), Frank Sarro (2013) and Frank Ziegler (2015), Deacon Hostutler said that Monsignor Luca, their pastor, “has been so encouraging, such an advocate. He does a great job of fostering the call.”
Monsignor Luca noted Deacon Hostutler’s efforts in implementing ACTS (adoration, community, theology, service) retreats at the parish.
“We’ve had some pretty good guys come through St. Louis,” Monsignor Luca understated.
He processed into the cathedral alongside one of them, Father James Boric, rector of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who was ordained in 2014.
The ordination Mass underscored the family backgrounds of the eight married men.
The first and second readings were proclaimed by Kathryn Cohagan and Rebecca Mikules, the daughters, respectively, of Deacons Mark Cohagan and Timothy Mikules.
The eight to be ordained sat among family until they were called forth individually. The men rose to their feet and answered present, none more upright than Philip Czajowski, the tallest in the group and a veteran of the U.S. Army.
“Do you know them to be worthy?” Archbishop Lori asked.
Father Michael Triplett, who completed the training the men had begun under Father Patrick Carrion, confirmed that they indeed were.
During his homily, Archbishop Lori referenced the responsibilities the men were about to take.
“Before you assist at the altar of the Lord, distribute holy Communion, or baptize, or preside at a wedding, funeral or a prayer service,” he said, “spend time in prayer, contemplating how close the risen Lord draws near to us.”
The archbishop concluded with three observations, the last being, “Do not attempt to go it alone. Look to your families and fellow deacons for support and guidance.”
During the rite of ordination that followed, the eight men made promises of service, prayer and obedience; prostrated themselves before the altar as the faithful sang the communion of saints; and had the gift of the Holy Spirit conferred upon them by Archbishop Lori through the Laying on of Hands.”
After the prayer of ordination, the newly-ordained were vested with the diaconal stole and dalmatic for the first time.
Deacon Cohagan was vested by Father J. Collin Poston, a fellow convert who had been his confirmation sponsor at St. Mark in Catonsville. Deacon Frank Hayden was vested by Deacon George Krause, who serves his home parish, St. Paul in Ellicott City.
After Archbishop Lori and the deacons present extended the fraternal kiss to the newly-ordained, Deacons Hostutler and Mikules took their seats and shared a fist-bump.
During the liturgy of the Eucharist, Deacons Hayden and Bruce Hultquist assisted Archbishop Lori and his concelebrants, Bishops Mark E. Brennan, Adam J. Parker and Denis J. Madden.
The worshippers included a number of Nashville Dominican sisters who serve Mount de Sales Academy in Catonsville, where Deacon Cohagan is the director of operations.
The Mass concluded with humor, when Archbishop Lori, ready to announce their assignments (below), said, “May I have the envelope, please.”
During family photos on the altar that followed, the larger gatherings included Deacon Scott Anderson and his wife, Carrie, the parents of seven.
Several of the newly ordained described being overwhelmed by the magnitude of the moment.
“It’s all in God’s hands now,” Deacon Joseph Wolf said. “I’m just happy to serve.”
DEACON ASSIGNMENTS
Deacon Scott Edward Anderson – St. Joseph on Carrollton Manor, Buckeystown
Deacon Mark David Cohagan – Catholic Community of South Baltimore
Deacon Philip David Czajkowski – St. John, Westminster
Deacon Frank Sydnor Hayden III – Catholic Community of Ascension, Halethorpe, and St. Augustine, Elkridge
Deacon Kevin John Hostutler – St. Louis, Clarksville
Deacon Bruce Karl Hultquist – St. Margaret, Bel Air
Deacon Timothy Leon Mikules – St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Crofton
Deacon Joseph Albert Wolf – St. Anthony Shrine, Emmitsburg, and Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Thurmont
Email Paul McMullen at pmcmullen@CatholicReview.org.
Also see:
Eight to be ordained permanent deacons for Baltimore Archdiocese
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