On June 6, Bishop Robert J. McClory will ordain one man as a priest and one as a deacon for service to the Diocese of Gary. The transitional deacon-elect, Nicholas Emsing, will minister to the needs of local parishes and communities. The ordination Mass begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Cathedral of the Holy Angels.
Name: Nicholas Emsing
Age: 26
Home Parish: St. John Bosco, Hammond
City/Town of Residence: Hammond
Parents: Alan “Rocky” and Terri Emsing
Siblings: None
Educational Background:
Grade School: St. John the Baptist, Whiting
High School: Bishop Noll Institute, Hammond
College: Marian University, Whiting
Previous Parish Involvement: My previous summer assignments have included a summer with the Missionaries of Charity in Gary, Totus Tuus, St. Bridget in Hobart, Holy Family in Laporte, a Spanish immersion in Cuernavaca, Mexico, the One Catholic Family of Holy Spirit, St. Helen’s, and St. Mary’s, Clinical Pastoral Education at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, and, for my diaconal summer, I will be serving at St. Michael the Archangel in Schererville.
Words of Jesus that Most Inspired You and Why: Of all the words of Christ that have inspired me, I am continually struck by the promise given to His disciples just before His ascension. Right after giving them the “Great Commission” to make disciples of all nations, He says, “Behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). It’s one of the most commonly cited passages, and for that reason, I believe it can often be overlooked. But sometimes, it’s the simplest messages that are the most worth repeating and contemplating. What it’s saying is that Jesus, the King of the Universe, is near to us and accessible, and loves us with a love so deep and profound that He gave His life for us, and never wants us to be separated from Him. Whenever I’m tempted to doubt the fruits of my ministry, or even the love God has for me, I return to this passage in prayer.
Ministries You Hope to Pursue as a Deacon: I am looking forward to everything the ministry of the diaconate has to offer, especially assisting the priest at the altar as he offers the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for the glorification of God and the sanctification of His people; celebrating the sacrament of baptism, during which I will welcome newborn children into the great family of God that is the Church; and conducting funeral rites, through which I will be able to assist others in their time of grief and pray for their departed loved ones with the beautiful prayers and rites of the Church. I am also looking forward to getting to know the parish to which I’ll be assigned, St. Michael’s in Schererville, and getting involved with the various ministry activities that are already part of the life of the parish.
With What Gifts Do You Believe You Have Been Blessed?: Some gifts with which I believe I have been blessed include the ability to speak well, which will be very valuable in the ministry of preaching the Word, and to listen compassionately. I believe that these gifts are for the purpose of helping people to understand, in a very real way, the love that God has for them.
