Thompson deacon’s son ordained a deacon for Duluth diocese

Matthew West, who grew up attending St. Jude Catholic Church in Thompson, was ordained a permanent deacon for the Diocese of Duluth, Minn. on May 1. His father James is a permanent deacon for the Diocese of Fargo and serves at St. Jude.

Father John Cavanaugh, pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Reynolds and St. Jude in Thompson, reflected on West’s ordination in the May 10 parish bulletin.  

“In a deeply meaningful moment, he was vested by his father, Deacon Jim West, a powerful sign of the continuity of vocation within the family and a shared participation in both earthly and heavenly service. Surrounded by his parents and siblings, Deacon West made his promises, dedicating himself to faithful service in the life of the Church and the local community.”

“We extend our prayers, support, and best wishes as he enters into this sacred ministry,” Father Cavanaugh said. “To his wife, we offer our sincere gratitude and blessings for your steadfast support and witness in his vocation. To his children, we pray that you may walk alongside your father in his calling, always striving to ‘walk humbly with our God’ (Micah 6:8