It was a true pleasure to welcome Deacon Andy Cirmo as he took up his diaconal ministry here at St. Mikes.  Andy and his wife Nancy were members of St. Mary Parish when St. Mikes was founded.  I think I remember Nancy telling me she even worked as receptionist at St. Mary for a time. They moved out to Chicago where Andy entered the diaconal ministry program.  He was ordained to serve there. 
 
I first had a chance to meet them when they were visiting their daughter here in Richmond, and Nancy got sick.  She ended up in the hospital, and I ministered to them briefly.  They told me then that they expected to return to Richmond more permanently after a few more years.   Well, they ended up right back here in St Michael Parish, and, as he waited to receive his faculties from the bishop—faculties are the permissions needed for any ordained person to take up their ministry, they both served in the Music Ministry, Nancy volunteered in the office, and Andy worked with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
 
With the end of Bishop DiLorenzo's time and the start of Bishop Knestout's ministry, Andy had to wait.  Well, that patience has borne fruit, and we will all be benefitting from this!
 
Welcome, Deacon Andy Cirmo!