Deacon Gerald Thornton: Priesthood
After many years of rigorous but rewarding seminary education and a year serving as a transitional deacon, Deacon Gerald Thornton is set to be ordained to the priesthood on May 29.
Deacon Thornton was born and raised in Sioux Falls by his parents Larry and Teresa. He was baptized at Christ the King Parish and grew up going to Holy Spirit Parish but now calls St. Lambert Parish his home. He has three sisters, Allison, Susan and Annie, all of whom are married.
As for his call to the priesthood, Deacon Gerald credits God’s grace and invitation to serve.
“There are many places where I experienced that grace as a part of my calling,” Deacon Thornton said. “I have a wonderful family who has inspired me by their fidelity to the Gospel in their daily lives. I have been blessed to have been mentored by many devoted and vibrant priests throughout my life, and I was given a love for serving at Mass at an early age. The defining moment of being called was when I realized that the call to the priesthood was an invitation to give myself totally to Christ in service of his Church as an act of love and that my heart was actually made to love that way.”
Alexander Leschisin: Transitional Diaconate
With sights set on the priesthood, Alexander Leschisin will be ordained as a transitional deacon on May 28.
Alexander was born in Watertown to Connie and Doug. He was raised in Webster and Eden, South Dakota, and Stanley, North Dakota, with his two sisters Geena and Hanna. He was baptized at Christ the King Parish in Webster and attended Sacred Heart Parish in Eden during high school.
His prompting to discern the priesthood was simple.
“Jesus. Jesus in the sacraments, in my family and neighbors, in Scripture,” Alexander said.
As for his years in seminary, Alexander lists community life as his favorite aspect.
“Iron sharpens iron,” Alexander said. “Pursuing a life of virtue is so much easier, so much more fulfilling doing it alongside brothers who are aiming at the same goal with you.”
As a transitional deacon, Alexander will take the vows of celibacy and obedience as well as a vow to pray the Liturgy of the Hours. The transitional diaconate is reserved for men who are on the path to become a priest.
