DUNWOODIE, N.Y. — When Paul Zwolak stood up in the chapel at St. Joseph’s Seminary and proclaimed, “Present,” he was announcing that he was ready to serve the Church in Brooklyn and Queens. 

Zwolak was one of four men ordained as transitional deacons by Bishop Robert Brennan on Nov. 1. The others were Joseph Haas for the Archdiocese of New York and Patrick O’Brien and Dillon Vita for the Diocese of Rockville Centre.  

All four will be ordained priests for their respective dioceses in the spring. 

Bishop Brennan was joined on the altar by New York Auxiliary Bishop Gerardo Joseph Colacicco and Brooklyn Auxiliary Bishop James Massa, who also serves as the rector of St. Joseph’s Seminary, as well as members of the seminary faculty and priests from the three dioceses. 

Deacon Zwolak is a native of Middle Village, where he was a member of Our Lady of Hope parish. His Polish-born parents continue to reside in the parish. 

The new deacon went on to Archbishop Molloy High School in Briarwood, where he discerned his vocation during a retreat during his senior year. He then attended St. John’s University while living at the Cathedral House of Formation in Douglaston, before moving on to St. Joseph’s Seminary. 

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During his pastoral year, he served at St. Francis de Sales Church in Belle Harbor, where he said he “learned a lot from the priests and the people.”  

“It was a great experience,” Deacon Zwolak said.  

He also ministered at the St. Jude Shrine Church in Canarsie. He has been assigned to serve as a deacon at St. Matthias Church in Ridgewood while completing his studies at St. Joseph’s Seminary. 

“I hope to bring God’s word to the people there,” Deacon Zwolak said. “That really came through to me as the bishop was presenting me with the Book of the Gospels today.”  

During the ordination ceremony, where they received the sacrament of Holy Orders, the new deacons pledged obedience to the bishops of their dioceses and promised to live a celibate life. They then prostrated themselves on the floor of the sanctuary while the entire congregation chanted the Litany of the Saints.   

Bishop Brennan laid hands on the heads of each candidate, signifying the unbroken passing on of ministry. He also presented each with the Book of the Gospels with the exhortation, “Receive the Gospel of Christ, whose herald you have become. Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach.” 

As they await ordination to the priesthood, the new deacons can baptize, instruct believers and unbelievers, and officiate at wake services. 

Deacon Zwolak served at a Mass of thanksgiving for his ordination on Nov. 2 at St. Francis de Sales Church.