“When I laid prostrate on the ground, I was lying over the bones of St. Peter himself, along with many other popes throughout the history of the Church,” Deacon Charles remarked.

Deacon Charles, a seminarian currently studying at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, was ordained to the transitional diaconate at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City on Oct. 2, along with 15 of his classmates.

“In a way, I was laying down my life for the Church before the Church, from St. Peter and the first popes in the first century, to Pope Benedict XVI of the current century,” he said. “My new role as a deacon is connected with the Church across time. I am called to act on behalf of the Church as many others have done before me.”

During the Rite of Ordination, Deacon Charles and his fellow seminarians made their diaconal promises. The consecrating prelate was Bishop Joseph Hanefeldt, Bishop of Grand Island, Nebraska.

Through the laying on of hands and Prayer of Ordination, Charles Warner was ordained a deacon.

“A moment I will never forget is the laying on of the Bishop’s hands on my head,” Deacon Charles said, noting that the basilica was closed to the public and quiet at the time. “The silence truly affirmed the sacrament of Holy Orders at hand, and that everyone present was praying for the Holy Spirit to grace each man to be ordained to perform sacred duties.”

He received his liturgical vestments— a stole and dalmatic. Deacon Charles was vested by his father, Deacon Rick Warner.

“It will make for a special moment between the two of us,” Deacon Rick said. “But the most touching moment was the Kiss of Peace, when the College of Deacons welcome the newly-ordained deacons. … We had a very heartfelt hug and I was overcome with emotion. I will ponder in prayer for a long time if this is how our heavenly Father felt when he sent his Son Jesus into our world.”

Deacon Charles’ parents, Deacon Rick and Patricia Warner, Bishop Robert Gruss, Father Bill Rutkowski, Father Andy Booms, Father José María Cabrera, Father Matthew Gembrowski, Father Andy LaFramboise, Deacon Larry Gayton and many additional family and friends represented the Diocese of Saginaw at the Mass.

Most of Deacon Charles’ ministry will be practiced in Italy, at the seminary or his apostolate parish at the Aviano Air Base. He looks forward to serving as a deacon at Mass, preaching occasional homilies and presiding at certain liturgical events.

“I am looking forward to growing in confidence and comfort in being a sacred minister of the Church,” he said.

In a message to the faithful of the Diocese of Saginaw, Deacon Charles expressed his heartfelt gratitude for their prayers and support during his years of seminary formation. He also looks forward to sharing the joy of his ordination with the people of the Diocese upon his return. Deacon Charles will continue his formation, completing his final year at the Pontifical North American College, with hopes of being ordained a priest next year.