Deacon Dominic Cerrato has been appointed as the new diocesan director of the Office of the Diaconate, starting Feb. 1, 2021. He replaces Deacon John Freund, who retired after serving in the position for the past 10 years.

Deacon Freund said, “This has been a great time of blessing for me. During my tenure, over 100 men have received the Sacrament of Holy Orders and are faithfully serving the parishes and people of our diocese.”

Deacon Cerrato was the diocesan director of diaconal formation since February 2017. He has a Ph.D. in theology from Duquesne University, a master’s degree in theology from Duquesne University and a bachelor’s degree in Theology from Franciscan University.

“I am both privileged and filled with trepidation at stepping into the shoes of Deacon Freund,” Deacon Cerrato said. “For 10 years, he has led the diaconate, and, under his leadership, the quality of formation has grown substantially. He is my fellow deacon, my friend, but above all, my brother in the Lord. Though we will continue to work together on various projects, his constant and reassuring presence will be missed. Once the diocese fills my position of director of formation, I plan to turn my attention to the larger diaconal community where, it is my prayer, that our fellowship increase, our ministries become more effective and, in the very process, Christ the Servant is glorified.”