Seminarian Leonardo Morales-Salas was ordained as a Transitional Deacon on Friday, May 28, 2021 by Bishop David Konderla at Holy Family Cathedral in Tulsa.
Transitional deacons have faculties to baptize, officiate a simple nuptial ceremony outside of Mass and to conduct the Rite of Commital at a cemetery after a funeral Mass. Deacons cannot hear confessions or anoint the sick. As ministers of Charity, deacons are leaders in identifying the needs of others, then organizing the Church's resources to meet those needs. Deacons are also dedicated to eliminating the hardships that cause these needs.
Deacon Morales' home parish is Saint Anne in Broken Arrow. God willing, Deacon Morales will be ordained a priest in June 2022.