Surrounded by dozens of family members and close friends, diocesan seminarian John Rozembajgier and approximately 20 of his classmates from Pontifical North American College in the Vatican were ordained to the diaconate Oct. 9 in St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome.

Though the celebration was abroad, the diocese was well-represented by several local priests, members of Rev. Mr. Rozembajgier’s home parish and parishioners whom he served in summer ministry.

Among the clergy present were Father Robert W. Medley, former director of the Office of Vocations who now serves as vice chancellor; Father Terrance M. Lawler, executive director of the Department of Personnel in Ministry; Msgr. Michael J. Alliegro, director of the Office of Worship; Father Joseph M. Curry, pastor of St. Peter the Apostle Parish, New Brunswick, and Father Michael G. Krull, pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Port Reading.

"Any ordination is a wonderful event," Father Medley said. "But the fact that it took place in [St. Peter’s Basilica] and Cardinal [Theodore E.] McCarrick – the founding bishop of the diocese – was presider made it even more special."

Father Medley also noted that ordination to the transitional diaconate is more than simply "a stepping stone" to the priesthood.

"When I was vocations director, I would always tell [seminarians] that, no matter what, you’re always going to be a deacon," he said. "This is where you make your promise of obedience and promise of celibacy. It’s a permanent, lifelong commitment."

A native of New Brunswick who grew up in St. Peter Parish there, Rev. Mr. Rozembajgier was born April 29, 1977 and is the son of Michael and the late Joan Rozembajgier. He has a sister, Michele, and a brother, Michael.

The lifelong member of the diocese attended St. Peter Elementary School, New Brunswick; St. Joseph High School, Metuchen, and the University of Scranton.

After a year in Mount St. Mary Seminary, Emmitsburg, Md., Rev. Mr. Rozembajgier began his studies in Pontifical North American College.

He has served his summer ministry in the parishes of St. Matthew the Apostle, Edison; Our Lady of Lourdes, Whitehouse Station, and St. Cecelia, Iselin.

According to Father Medley, the newly-ordained deacon is a "very dynamic person" who is always willing to share his faith with others.

"He comes with a wealth of experience, having ministered to God’s people for some time," Father Medley said, explaining that prior to entering the seminary, Rev. Mr. Rozembajgier served in campus ministry during college and youth ministry while a student in St. Joseph High School.