April 13, 2016

By Kristina Dean
Staff writer

CARTHAGE - With words of encouragement, prayers, and a call to radiate confidence in hope and joy of the Risen Christ, Bishop Terry R. LaValley ordained Deacon Todd Edward Thibault as a transitional deacon April 2 at St. James Minor Church.

The Colchester, Vermont native who is completing seminary studies at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus Ohio, agreed to carry out his office in accord with the mind of the Christ and the church, under the direction of the bishop.

In his homily, Bishop LaValley said there was much to do, with no time for "sighs, moans or groans."
"Ours is a Gospel of joy that must be proclaimed and lived," he said.

He encouraged DeaconThibault to be an intimate friend of Christ, and to never allow himself to be turned away from the hope offered by the Gospel.

"Today there are many angry, sad and frustrated people who need inspiring, hope-filled leaders," he said.
The bishop said the new deacon must always ask himself if his life is in accord with his beliefs and said this requires closeness to the Church and prayer.

He thanked the deacon's parents and brother for the gift of their son and brother.

"You have worked hard tending the land and providing sustenance in the Green Mountain state," he said to them. "You have nurtured the soil for this vocation of your son to take root. Now he will provide spiritual nourishment and sustenance for your neighbors in this church."

During Mass, the candidate prostrated himself before the bishop, who afterward laid his hands on Deacon Thibault's head and prayed.

Immediately following, the new deacon was vested in the stole and dalmatic by Monsignor Richard LaValley of the Diocese of Burlington.

St. Joseph Sisters Annuniciata Collons and Mary Ellen Brett read the scripture readings while Deacon Richard J. Staab proclaimed the Gospel.