Newly Ordained Deacon Jeff Calamayan First Mass

On Saturday, January 9, 2021, Jeffrey “Jeff” Calamayan was ordained into the permanent diaconate by The Most Reverend Bishop Larry Silva at the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus.  At the Mass that evening, Deacon Jeff along with Deacon Keith Cabiles, Chancellor at St. Augustine By-the-Sea Church assisted Our Lady of Good Counsel (OLGC) pastor Fr. Santhosh Thottankara, SS. CC.  

This was a full-circle moment for Deacon Keith and Deacon Jeff.  Deacon Jeff served at Deacon Keith’s first Mass and was Deacon Jeff’s mentor throughout the diaconate process.  They started out as mentor and mentee and have become close friends as well.

Also attending this Mass were newly ordained Deacons from Cohort Nine: Deacon Savili Bartley and his wife Evelyn (St. Joseph Waianae) and Deacon Renier Torres and his wife Evelyn (St. John the Baptist Kalihi).  There were a total of 13 permanent Deacons ordained on January 8 and 9 on O‘ahu.

Deacon Keith proclaimed the Word and Deacon Jeff was the homilist.  During his homily, Deacon Jeff said, “Jesus, who is both God and man, has now become an invitation for all of humanity to be a part of God’s family.  My brothers and sisters, the scripture is not just about what happened in the past.  It is not just history.  It is alive and here with us today.”  He went on to say, “Today, as we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord, we remember also our baptismal promises, to continue to be witnesses to the faith and messengers of hope. The good news today is that our God is not a distant God.  He is with us.  He dwells among us.  And the Lord carries within His heart, the children of God.  Wherever you go, carry Him within yours.”

How very blessed we are to have Deacon Jeff and his wife Jenn as leaders of OLGC’s RCIA process, among other projects.  We wish Deacon Jeff a fruitful ministry and thank him, his wife Jenn and son Kevin for their sacrifices and commitment.

Deacon Jeff is taking over for Deacon Ray Lamb who was reassigned to the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa effective January 2021. (Photo and reporting by Naomi Amuro)