transitional deacon to be June 4
ROCKFORD, ILL—Most Reverend David J. Malloy will ordain Nathan Pacer, 29, as the newest priest for the Catholic Diocese of Rockford, June 4 at the Cathedral of St. Peter, 1243 N. Church St.
The Mass and Rite of Ordination will begin at 11 a.m. The ceremony will also include the ordination of Mr. Connor Orabutt, age 25 from Algonquin as a transitional deacon. The transitional diaconate is the final step before ordination to the priesthood. Orabutt is scheduled for ordination in 2023.
Pacer is a native of Batavia, Ill. and his home parish is Holy Cross there. He attended high school at Marmion Academy, Aurora. While there, he was involved in the JROTC program, student government and football, playing defensive end. He attended Ave Maria University in Naples, Florida where he studied literature and history and played rugby. Before he began seminary studies, Pacer worked for Lighthouse Catholic Media as a copywriter. He completed his seminary studies at St. Paul School of Divinity, St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul Minn.
“My vocation story, in its briefest version, is that God called me in high school on a retreat, and it took me almost six years to respond. My vocation story doesn’t have any miraculous signs or crazy conversions in it, but rather shows God’s great patience in waiting for me to give up what I wanted to do (or at least what I thought I wanted to do) and realize that I preferred, and was much happier doing, what He wanted me to do.”
He notes that he has come from “an amazing family, especially my parents Mike and Lori, and great friends … who have never ceased supporting me with their prayers and holy examples.” Now as ordination nears, Deacon Pacer reflects that, “Though my seminary formation has been long, I have learned a lot and made many great friendships that will support me in my priestly ministry.
“I can’t wait to be a priest to share Christ with others. I particularly look forward to celebrating the sacraments, getting to know the people I serve, and proclaiming the Gospel in both word and deed.
“Many people throughout the diocese, many unknown to me, have been praying for me, and these prayers have helped me reach this beautiful day of my ordination.”
The ceremony is open to the public with limited seating. It will be livestreamed on the Diocese of Rockford YouTube Channel and Facebook page.
