Ordination to the Transitional Diaconate 2025
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Celebrate the Ordination to the Transitional Diaconate June 7On Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., Bishop Mark Eckman will ordain five men to the transitional diaconate at Saint Alexis Church, Saint Aidan Parish (10090 Old Perry Highway, Wexford, PA 15090).
The men to be ordained are Brian Myler, Erik Pintar, Matthew Selzer, Loc Tran, and Nicholas Wytiaz. Please pray for these men as they take the next step in answering the call God has placed in their lives. All are welcome to come and share in the joy of their ordination!
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Seminarians invite you to the ordination
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Erik PintarErik Pintar grew up as an Evangelical Protestant in Wisconsin. He was earning six figures working as a software engineer in Pittsburgh when he discovered the Catholic Church.
Since then, God has gently led him on a journey to the priesthood. Erik and his four classmates will take a big step toward the priesthood by being ordained transitional deacons.
Erik invites you to pray a novena to the Holy Spirit, beginning on Ascension Thursday and leading up to Pentecost Sunday, for him and his classmates. See the prayers below.
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Brian MylerSeminarian Brian Myler invites you to this special Mass from Saint Alexis Church of Saint Aidan Parish, where the ordination will take place.
Come to support Brian and his four classmates!
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Loc TranSeminarian Loc Tran has had a long journey to becoming a transitional deacon in our diocese.
Not only did he learn theology, but he also became fluent in English after moving here from Vietnam 7 years ago to begin priestly formation.
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Nick WytiazSeminarian Nick Wytiaz invites you to his Transitional Diaconate Ordination on Saturday, June 7 at 10 am at Saint Alexis Church (Saint Aidan Parish).
Come to support him and his four classmates as they continue their road towards the priesthood.
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Matt SelzerSeminarian Matt Selzer is excited to invite you to his Transitional Diaconate Ordination on June 7 at 10 am at Saint Alexis Church (Saint Aidan Parish).
Please pray for him and his four classmates as they prepare for this beautiful day.
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Meet our men to be ordained
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Brian M. MylerBrian is the youngest child of John and Bonnie Myler. He has two brothers and two sisters.
Brian’s home parish is Holy Family Parish. He attended elementary school at Washington Elementary, Linton Middle School and graduated from Penn Hills High School in 2004. In 2008, Brian graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering. In 2010 he attended the University of Pittsburgh and graduated in 2013 with a Master in Business Administration.
Brian’s most recent employment was for Pennsylvania Department of Transportation where he worked as a materials engineer.
In Fall 2019, Brian was accepted into the priestly formation program to begin pre-theological studies at Saint Paul Seminary and Franciscan University of Steubenville.
After completing his second year of pre-theological studies Brian was assigned to Saint Vincent Seminary, Latrobe, PA, to begin theological studies in August 2021.
In Summer 2021, Brian participated in the Summer Priestly Spirituality Program of the Department for Pre-Ordination Formation.
In Summer 2022, Brian participated in a Pre-Pastoral Year Summer Experience at Saint Aidan Parish, Wexford, before returning to Saint Mary’s Seminary, Baltimore for his second year of theological studies.
In June 2023, Brian began his Pastoral Formation Year assignment at Saint Aidan Parish, Wexford. In August 2024, he returned to Saint Vincent Seminary, Latrobe, to begin his third year of theological studies.
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Erik L. PintarErik was born in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. He is the youngest child of Frank and Angela Pintar. He has one brother and one sister.
Erik’s home parish is Saint Paul Cathedral Parish. He graduated from Wauwatosa East High School in 2011. Erik attended Carnegie Mellon University where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering with an additional major in Human-Computer Interaction and a minor in Computer Science. Erik’s most recent employment was with Google.
In Fall 2019 Erik was accepted into the priestly formation program to begin pre-theological studies at Saint Paul Seminary and Franciscan University of Steubenville.
After completing his second year of pre-theological studies Erik was assigned to Saint Vincent Seminary, Latrobe, PA to begin theological studies in August 2021.
In Summer 2021, Erik participated in the Summer Priestly Spirituality Program of the Department for Pre-Ordination Formation.
In Summer 2022, Erik participated in a Pre-Pastoral Year Summer Experience at the parishes of the Cranberry/Ellwood City/Zelienople Grouping, namely the parishes of Saint Ferdinand; Saint Gregory and Holy Redeemer, before returning to Saint Mary’s Seminary, Baltimore for his second year of theological studies.
In June 2023, Erik began his Pastoral Formation Year assignment at Divine Grace Parish, Cranberry, Ellwood City, Zelienople. In August 2024, he returned to Saint Vincent Seminary, Latrobe, to begin his third year of theological studies.
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Matthew S. SelzerMatt is the oldest child of Stephen and Linda Selzer. He has one younger brother.
Matt’s home parish is Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish. He graduated from North Hills High School in 2015. Matt graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in Spring of 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication.
Matt’s most recent employer was the University of Pittsburgh where he worked as an office assistant in the Department of Bands.
In Fall 2019 Matt was accepted into the priestly formation program to begin pre-theological studies at Saint Paul Seminary and Franciscan University of Steubenville. After completing his second year of pre-theological studies Matt was assigned to Saint Mary’s Seminary, Baltimore, to begin theological studies in August 2021.
In Summer 2021, Matt participated in the Summer Priestly Spirituality Program of the Department for Pre-Ordination Formation.
In Summer 2022, Matt participated in a Pre-Pastoral Year Summer Experience at Resurrection Parish, Bethel Park, Upper Saint Clair, before returning to Saint Mary’s Seminary, Baltimore for his second year of theological studies.
In June 2023, Matt began his Pastoral Formation Year assignment at Resurrection Parish, Bethel Park, Upper Saint Clair. In August 2024, he returned to Saint Mary’s Seminary, Baltimore, to begin his third year of theological studies.
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Loc Van TranLoc Van Tran was born in Nghe An, Vietnam, to Long Van Tran and Kim Nguyen Thi. Loc’s father passed away when he was ten years old. He was raised by his mother. Loc has five siblings: four brothers and one sister. His brothers’ names are Loan Van Tran, Ly Van Tran, Thong Van Tran and Cuong Van Tran. Loi Tran Thi is his sister.
Loc received a Bachelor Degree in Food Technology at Vinh University in Vietnam.
Most recently, Loc has been teaching religion to the children in his parish. In the spring of 2019 Loc completed the ESL Program at Duquesne University.
After completing his second year of pre-theological studies Loc was assigned to Saint Mary’s Seminary, Baltimore, to begin theological studies in August 2021.
In Summer 2021, Loc participated in the Summer Priestly Spirituality Program of the Department for Pre-Ordination Formation.
In Summer 2022, Loc participated in a Pre-Pastoral Year Summer Experience at Our Lady of Hope Parish, Bethel Park, South Park, Whitehall, before returning to Saint Mary’s Seminary, Baltimore for his second year of theological studies.
In June 2023, Loc began his Pastoral Formation Year assignment at Our Lady of Hope Parish, Bethel Park, South Park, Whitehall. In August 2024, he returned to Saint Mary’s Seminary, Baltimore, to begin his third year of theological studies.
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Nicholas P. WytiazNick is the oldest child of Nick and Phyllis Wytiaz. He has two younger sisters.
Nick’s home parish is Saint Maria Goretti Parish. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 2006. Nick graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2012 with a Doctor of Pharmacy Degree.
Nick’s most recent employer was West Penn Hospital where he worked as staff pharmacist.
In Fall 2019, Nick was accepted into the priestly formation program to begin pre-theological studies at Saint Paul Seminary and Franciscan University of Steubenville. After completing his second year of pre-theological studies Nick was assigned to Saint Mary’s Seminary, Baltimore, to begin theological studies in August 2021.
In Summer 2021, Nick participated in the Summer Priestly Spirituality Program of the Department for Pre-Ordination Formation.
In Summer 2022, Nick participated in a Pre-Pastoral Year Summer Experience at Christ the Divine Shepherd Parish, Monroeville, Penn Hills, before returning to Saint Mary’s Seminary, Baltimore for his second year of theological studies.
In June 2023, Nick began his Pastoral Formation Year assignment at Christ the Divine Shepherd Parish, Monroeville, Penn Hills. In August 2024, he returned to Saint Mary’s Seminary, Baltimore, to begin his third year of theological studies.
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It begins on Ascension Thursday and leads to PentecostPray the novena to the holy spirit for the men to be ordained
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Day 1
Charity
Let us bow down in humility at the power and grandeur of the Holy Spirit. Let us worship the Holy Trinity and give glory today to the Paraclete, our Advocate.
Oh Holy Spirit, by Your power, Christ was raised from the dead to save us all. By Your grace, miracles are performed in Jesus’ name. By Your love, we are protected from evil. And so, we ask with humility and a beggar’s heart for Your gift of Charity within us.
The great charity of all the the host of Saints is only made possible by your power, Oh Divine Spirit. Increase in me, the virtue of charity that I may love as God loves with the selflessness of the Saints. Amen.
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.
O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
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Day 2
Joy
Let us bow down in humility at the power and grandeur of the Holy Spirit. Let us worship the Holy Trinity and give glory today to the Paraclete, our Advocate.
Oh Holy Spirit, by Your power, Christ was raised from the dead to save us all. By Your grace, miracles are performed in Jesus’ name. By Your love, we are protected from evil. And so, we ask with humility and a beggar’s heart for Your gift of Joy within us.
All of the Saints are marked with an uncompromisable Joy in times of trial, difficulty and pain. Give us, Oh Holy Spirit, the Joy that surpasses all understanding that we may live as a witness to Your love and fidelity! Amen.
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.
O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
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Day 3
Peace
Let us bow down in humility at the power and grandeur of the Holy Spirit. Let us worship the Holy Trinity and give glory today to the Paraclete, our Advocate.
Oh Holy Spirit, by Your power, Christ was raised from the dead to save us all. By Your grace, miracles are performed in Jesus’ name. By Your love, we are protected from evil. And so, we ask with humility and a beggar’s heart for Your gift of Peace within us.
The Saints were tempted, attacked and accused by the devil who is the destroyer of peace. When we are accused by the devil, come to our aid as our Advocate and give us Peace that lasts through all trials! Amen.
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.
O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
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Day 4
Patience
Let us bow down in humility at the power and grandeur of the Holy Spirit. Let us worship the Holy Trinity and give glory today to the Paraclete, our Advocate.
Oh Holy Spirit, by Your power, Christ was raised from the dead to save us all. By Your grace, miracles are performed in Jesus’ name. By Your love, we are protected from evil. And so, we ask with humility and a beggar’s heart for Your gift of Patience within us.
Oh Holy Spirit, you give lavishly to those who ask. Please give us the patience of the Saints who are now with you in heaven. Help us to endure everything with an eternal patience that is only possible with your help. Amen.
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.
O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
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Day 5
Kindness
Let us bow down in humility at the power and grandeur of the Holy Spirit. Let us worship the Holy Trinity and give glory today to the Paraclete, our Advocate.
Oh Holy Spirit, by Your power, Christ was raised from the dead to save us all. By Your grace, miracles are performed in Jesus’ name. By Your love, we are protected from evil. And so, we ask with humility and a beggar’s heart for Your gift of Kindness within us.
Jesus approached sinners with immense kindness. Holy Paraclete, please treat us humble sinners with the same kindness and give us the ability to treat all others with that kindness as well. Amen.
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.
O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
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Day 6
Faithfulness
Let us bow down in humility at the power and grandeur of the Holy Spirit. Let us worship the Holy Trinity and give glory today to the Paraclete, our Advocate.
Oh Holy Spirit, by Your power, Christ was raised from the dead to save us all. By Your grace, miracles are performed in Jesus’ name. By Your love, we are protected from evil. And so, we ask with humility and a beggar’s heart for Your gift of Faithfulness within us.
You, oh Lord, are ever faithful. You are faithful until the end. Though we are weak and distracted, please give us the grace to be faithful to You as you are to us! Amen.
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.
O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
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Day 7
Gentleness
Let us bow down in humility at the power and grandeur of the Holy Spirit. Let us worship the Holy Trinity and give glory today to the Paraclete, our Advocate.
Oh Holy Spirit, by Your power, Christ was raised from the dead to save us all. By Your grace, miracles are performed in Jesus’ name. By Your love, we are protected from evil. And so, we ask with humility and a beggar’s heart for Your gift of Gentleness within us.
Despite the gravity of our sins, oh Lord you treat us with Gentleness. Dear Holy Spirit, give us your power to treat all in our lives with the Gentleness of the Saints. Amen.
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.
O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
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Day 8
Self-Control
Let us bow down in humility at the power and grandeur of the Holy Spirit. Let us worship the Holy Trinity and give glory today to the Paraclete, our Advocate.
Oh Holy Spirit, by Your power, Christ was raised from the dead to save us all. By Your grace, miracles are performed in Jesus’ name. By Your love, we are protected from evil. And so, we ask with humility and a beggar’s heart for Your gift of Self-Control within us.
Your Martyrs had the overwhelming self-control to go joyfully to a painful death without shrinking from the opportunity to join You in heaven. Give us this self-control to have command over our emotions and desires that we may serve You more fully. Amen.
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.
O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
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Day 9
Goodness
Let us bow down in humility at the power and grandeur of the Holy Spirit. Let us worship the Holy Trinity and give glory today to the Paraclete, our Advocate.
Oh Holy Spirit, by Your power, Christ was raised from the dead to save us all. By Your grace, miracles are performed in Jesus’ name. By Your love, we are protected from evil. And so, we ask with humility and a beggar’s heart for Goodness within us.
We want to be like your Saints in heaven. Holy Spirit, renew us by your power with your Goodness that we may bring the Good News to the world. Amen.
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.
O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
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Source: Ascension Press
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