By Deacon Eric Gurash
The Archdiocese of Regina witnessed a momentous occasion over the past two weeks as three men were ordained at Holy Rosary Cathedral in Regina. The celebrations began on Friday, June 7, with the ordination of Father Daniel Malone to the priesthood, followed by the ordinations of Deacons Martin Kondzielewski and Ken Fahlman as Permanent Deacons on Friday, June 14.
Father Malone, a young man of deep faith and love for the Church, shared his profound joy and anticipation of serving God and His people in the days following his ordination to the priesthood. His journey to the priesthood began in high school, where he discerned his vocational calling. “One of the things that distinguishes the priest is that he serves God and His people by being entrusted with the sacred rites of the Church,” he shared. “I have always loved the sacred rites of the Church, the Sacraments, and the sacramentals. Saying the Mass, going to the sick to anoint them, absolving the sins of penitents, baptizing, and blessings—these elements of priestly life are what I have looked forward to the most, and inasmuch as I have started doing these, it has been a joy.”
Fr. Daniel Malone at his ordination June 7, 2024
Archbishop Donald Bolen, in his homily, highlighted the significant path that lay ahead for Malone. “Daniel, the Lord sends you into places of deep woundedness in our world,” Archbishop Bolen said. “You are being sent to minister in places of suffering in people’s lives, in the brokenness of the world, in places of deep yearning, of struggle, as well as places of joy. Do not be afraid as you go. You do not go alone. We all walk with you. The crucified and risen Lord walks with you. So take courage. Do not lose heart. His love prevails.”
Fr. Daniel Malone at his ordination on June 7, 2024
The following week, the Cathedral welcomed the ordinations of Deacons Martin Kondzielewski and Ken Fahlman. Deacon Kondzielewski expressed his enthusiasm for evangelization, particularly in adult catechesis, marriage preparation, and Bible study. “The Bible studies Marie and I took and eventually led convinced me of the importance of learning salvation history,” he stated. “I look forward to passing along that interest and joy in the Scriptures and the vast store of tradition and information we have collected as a Church these past 2000 years.”
Deacon Martin Kondzielewski professes his obedience to Bishop Don and all his successors at the ordination June 14, 2024
Deacon Fahlman shared a poignant story from his hospital ministry, highlighting his commitment to compassionate service. “I built a relationship with an older gentleman who was considering MAiD (Medical Assistance in Dying),” he recalled. “That was ten months ago, and we’re still very good friends today. Having this experience in hospital ministry has given me a new appreciation for those who are sick and need reassurance that they are not alone. There are people who care and will journey with them through the difficult times.”
Deacon Martin and Deacon Ken Fahlman assisting with the Eucharist celebration at their ordination on June 14, 2024
Archbishop Bolen’s homily for the deacons emphasized their role as a sacramental sign of service. “As deacons, you are to be a sacramental sign of Jesus the servant in our communities, in the parishes you serve, and on the margins in those places of outreach where you are being sent,” he said. “You are to preach in a way that is different from the priest about your experience in the world, on the margins, pursuing justice, reaching out in compassion. You are to be a hinge, in some way, between the Christian community at worship and the church called to be reaching out to the ends of the earth.”
Bishop Don giving the homily at the diaconate ordination on June 7, 2024.
Archbishop Bolen also highlighted the unique perspectives that Deacons Kondzielewski and Fahlman bring to their ministry. “In service, your experience as people with families, people living a married life, will resonate with those to whom you preach. You will bring a range of different experiences, and you will, through that preaching, call others to live their life of discipleship in service fully. I invite you to patiently but perseveringly grow into that role.”
Deacons Ken Fahlman and Martin Kondzielewski on the steps of Holy Rosary Cathedral following their ordination to the diaconate on June 14, 2024
Beginning in August, Father Daniel Malone will embark on his new role as associate pastor at Christ the Redeemer Parish in Swift Current, a pastoral area that also includes St. Anne’s parish in Gull Lake and St. Joseph’s parish in Cabri. Deacon Martin, on the other hand, will officially begin his service as Deacon at Christ the King Parish in Regina, while Deacon Ken Fahlman will start his service at St. Joseph’s Parish in Balgonie. These new roles mark the beginning of their journey to serve their communities, share the love of Jesus Christ, and empower and encourage the faithful of the Archdiocese to continue in this mission as well.
Fr. Daniel Malone gathers with Archbishop Donald Bolen on the steps of Holy Rosary following his The Archdiocese of Regina after his ordination to the priesthood on June 7, 2024.
