Perlito DeLaCruz moved a step closer to his desire to become a priest when he was ordained a transitional deacon ó the final step before ordination to the priesthood ó by Auxiliary Bishop Richard J. Garcia on March 29 at St. Theresa Parish in South Lake Tahoe.

The bishop called on DeLaCruz to “let the light that is Christ shine in the midst of dark times,” including the current war in Iraq, a downturn in the U.S. economy, and a church facing a clergy sexual abuse scandal. “You are to be a light in the midst of all this darkness,” he said.

Bishop Garcia also called upon the new deacon to hold tight to his faith ó “respectfully, closely and lovingly.”

“Allow others to hold the faith with you, never alone, and as you hold this treasure, others will strengthen your conviction and abide with you in your ministry,” the bishop said.

At this diaconal ordination, DeLaCruz committed himself to a celebate life and the daily recitation of the Divine Office. As a transitional deacon he can officiate at weddings, baptisms and wakes, distribute Communion and preach during the liturgy.

A native of Candon, Ilocos Sur, in the Philippines, DeLaCruz, 28, received his bachelor’s degree in philosophy from San Pablo Major Seminary in Baguio City in the Philippines. During his years in the minor seminary, he was editor of the newsletter and played on the varsity volleyball team.

He also taught religion classes at St. Louis University in Baguio City.

He came to the Diocese of Sacramento in 1998 and began studies at St. Patrick’s Seminary in Menlo Park. He served his pastoral internship at St. Theresa Parish in South Lake Tahoe.

DeLaCruz will finish his studies for the priesthood at St. Patrick’s in May.

Copyright © 2003 Diocese of Sacramento - All Rights Reserved