Jimmy Hsu beams as he holds up a newly minted 2013 penny, the payment for a lifetime of service with the Paulist Fathers. Mr. Hsu made his final promise with the Paulists Sept. 6 at St. Paul’s College.

Jimmy Hsu, CSP, took his final steps toward the priesthood by pledging a lifetime of service with the Paulist Fathers before his Paulist brothers, family and friends Sept. 6 in the chapel of St. Paul’s College in Washington, D.C. The next morning, Mr. Hsu was ordained to the diaconate in the Crypt Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception by Most Rev. Barry C. Knestout, auxiliary bishop of Washington, D.C.

During the final promise Mass, Paulist President Father Michael B. McGarry called Mr. Hsu to stand before the congregation and pronounce his final promise to the Paulist Fathers. There were smiles and thundering applause from the approximately 100 well-wishers gathered as they watched the next Paulist take his final steps toward the priesthood.

Mr. Hsu’s final profession is “a response to God’s first promise to be faithful [to us],” said Father McGarry during the homily.

“Your final promise is an undeniably profound expression of hope. It is a promise that gives us all hope for the future of our Paulist vocation and our Paulist mission,” continued Father McGarry.

During the Mass, Mr. Hsu signed the document committing himself to a lifetime of service with the Paulist Fathers, and received his very own Paulist Mission Cross, the symbol of his Paulist ministry. After the Mass, Paulist, family and friends gathered outside the chapel as Father McGarry presented Mr. Hsu with a newly minted 2013 penny, his payment of a lifetime of Paulist service.

Handshakes, hugs and words of support and congratulations followed, after which the celebration continued with a reception in Mr. Hsu’s honor.

Bishop Barry C. Knestout of Washington, D.C., lays hands on Pauist Jimmy Hsu.

Excitement and expectation lingered in the air the next morning like the wafts of incense that led the procession for Mass the next morning. Mr. Hsu was joined by a member of the Order of St. Francis Minor and two Dominicans in being ordained to the diaconate.

The ordinandi were presented to Bishop Knestout as suitable candidates for the diaconate. After the homily, Mr. Hsu made a commitment to celibacy and then answered “I am” to five questions posed by Bishop Knestout as his examination. Mr. Hsu then presented himself to the bishop, placing his hands in the bishop’s as he recited a promise of respect and obedience to the diocesan bishop wherever he should serve.

The Litany of Saints was then prayed as the group of ordinandi lay prostrate before the altar. Bishop Knestout then laid hands on the head of each kneeling candidate, and then recited the Prayer of Consecration.

Now a deacon, Rev. Mr. Hsu was then invested with the stole and dalmatic – the symbols of the office of deacon – by Father John Behnke, CSP, and was presented with the Book of Gospels as a symbol that the office of deacon is closely associated with the proclaiming and preaching of the Good News. Bishop Knestout then greeted each ordinand with a Kiss of Peace before the Liturgy of the Eucharist commenced.

Rev. Mr. Hsu then led the altar preparations for the Liturgy of the Eucharist, and was by Bishop Knestout’s side when the offertory was brought to the altar. The celebrations continued after the Mass with a luncheon reception at St. Paul’s College.

Find out more about Deacon Hsu next week on Paulist.org!

Paulist President Father Michael B. McGarry delivers the homily during the Mass where Jimmy Hsu, CSP, made his final promise with the Paulist Fathers Sept. 6 at St. Paul’s College in Washington, D.C.

As their brother Paulists look on, James Olague, CSP; Steve Petroff, CSP; Ryan Casey, CSP; Stuart Wilson-Smith, CSP; and Matthew Berrios renew their temporary promise Sept. 6 at St. Paul’s College.

Jimmy Hsu, CSP (left), answers questions from Father Michael B. McGarry before makes his final promise with the Paulist Fathers Sept. 6 at St. Paul’s College in Washington, D.C. Paulist student Michael Hennessy assists.

Jimmy Hsu, CSP, prepares to make his final promise with the Paulist Fathers during a Sept. 6 Mass in the chapel of St. Paul’s College in Washington, D.C.

With his brother Paulists, family and friends looking on, Jimmy Hsu, CSP, makes his final promise with the Paulist Fathers.

Jimmy Hsu smiles as he holds his Paulist Mission Cross, given to him as a symbol of his Paulist charism upon making his final promise with the Paulist Fathers Sept. 6 at St. Paul’s College.

Auxiliary Bishop Barry C. Knestout of Washington, D.C., examines the candidates for the diaconate during a Sept. 7 Mass in the Crypt Church of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Paulist Jimmy Hsu stands to the far left.

Jimmy Hsu, CSP, promises obedience to the bishop whereever he may serve during ordination Mass to the dianconate with Bishop Barry C. Knestout presiding.

The ordinandi lay prostrate during the Litany of Saints. Paulist Jimmy Hsu is second from the right.

After his official ordiantion to the diaconate, Jimmy Hsu, CSP, is vested with the stole and dalmactic by Father John Behnke, CSP. (They stand to the left.)

Four newly ordained and vested deacons stand before altar of the Crypt Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Paulist Jimmy Hsu stands second from right.

Bishop Barry C. Knestout of Washington, D.C., presents Paulist Jimmy Hsu with the Book of Gospels.

Newly ordained Deacon Jimmy Hsu, CSP (at right) assists with the offertory.