2013 Transitional Diaconate

Congregants across the state gathered to witness the ordination of three young men to the transitional diaconate in May. Robert Cigainero, Juan Guido and Rick Hobbs came one step closer to realizing their dream of priesthood, in front of family, friends and fellow clergy in their home parishes. All three shared their thoughts and emotions on this landmark accomplishment with Arkansas Catholic.

Rick Hobbs: Discerning God’s call for 30 years

By Maryanne Meyerriecks, Published: June 5, 2013

FORT SMITH — Charles “Rick” Hobbs III, who was ordained as a transitional deacon by Bishop Anthony B. Taylor May 29 at St. Boniface Church, first felt the call to the priesthood as a 12-year-old in the mid-1970s. In his high school years he entertained ambitions of playing in the National Football League, but soon realized that he was built for endurance, not sprints. As an adult, Hobbs took up marathon running, learning along the way that More...

Diaconate ordination May 18 an emotional day for Guido

By Malea Hargett, Published: June 5, 2013

Juan Guido couldn’t hold back the tears as he embraced Bishop Anthony B. Taylor and his family during his diaconate ordination May 18 at St. Edward Church in Little Rock. His relationship with the bishop, parents and siblings flooded his mind as he was ordained a transitional deacon and prepared for his final year of seminary studies. “Especially with my family, all the struggles we went through, all the events we had to go through, especially being More...

Belonging, community at center of Cigainero's vocation

By Dwain Hebda, Published: June 5, 2013

TEXARKANA — Robert Cigainero’s vocational journey began at an early intersection of faith and community, but exactly when appears to be something of a local controversy. Moments after witnessing her youngest child’s ordination to the diaconate, Robert’s mother Jackie relayed a story from his second-grade year. “It was around the time of his First Communion,” Jackie recalled. “His Sunday school teacher, Carolyn Elliot, told me that she saw something in him and said he would be a More...