“Be servants to one another:” Deacon Timothy Kraemer ordained

On May 31, Bishop John Folda ordained Timothy Kraemer as a transitional deacon at Sts. Anne and Joachim in Fargo. This summer, Deacon Kraemer is serving St. Alphonsus in Langdon. 

In his homily during the ordination Mass, Bishop John Folda reminded those gathered that a deacon is “truly a servant of God and his people.”

“Remember those first deacons, called by the apostles to serve the needs of the people. The call to serve is just as real today as it was in apostolic times, and our Lord continues to call all of us to be servants to one another.”

A deacon serves God’s people by proclaiming the Gospel and homily during Mass, assisting at the altar, and being a witness of Christ in the world.

Deacon Timothy Kraemer will complete his seminarian studies at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md. during the coming school year with the expectation of being ordained a priest next summer.
 
Deacon Timothy Kraemer
1.       Where are you from? Who are your parents and siblings?
I am from Grand Forks, ND. My parents are Phil and Laurie Kraemer. My siblings are Sarah, Rev. Matthew, Peter, Daniel, Marie, and Rose. 
 
2.       What kind of support for your vocation did you receive from family and friends?
Some of my family knew I was called to the priesthood for a long time, but I still had to discern it with the Lord as a vocation is a calling. My family and friends have always been very supportive. 
 
3.       When did you first hear the call to the priesthood? When did that call become more real to you?
I think I first heard a call when I was about 11 years old. The call became real to me as I lay on the floor before the church, about to receive ordination. 
 
4.       What are your thoughts/feelings leading up to your ordination?
My thoughts leading up to the ordination were that my life has pointed toward this for a very long time and I want to continue to seek God’s will. Feelings of course were various, a lot of uncertainty as I transitioned into a new role and identity as an ordained member of the Church. There is a joy, but I’m sure I haven’t even scratched the surface of what it means to be ordained. 
 
5.       What are you most looking forward to as you begin your ministry?
Being a gift. God gives Himself to us. We respond to Him and to each other. 
 
6.       What advice do you have for others discerning their vocation to priesthood/religious life/marriage?
Make a move. You can’t discern if you don’t move.