The Ordination Mass will be streamed live at www.scs.edu and https://vimeo.com/event/2470138, as well as on Facebook Live at www.facebook.com/ArchbishopPerez/ and www.facebook.com/StCharlesSem/.

Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez will ordain three men to the Permanent Diaconate for service in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia following their completion of a six-year formation program at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary. The Rite of Ordination will take place during Mass following the Liturgy of the Word.

Saturday, May 9, 2026
10:00 a.m.
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
18th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Permanent Deacons serve as ordained clergy in the Roman Catholic Church. They may be single or married men. Deacons are dedicated to a threefold ministry of Word, Sacrament, and Charity, forming a “bridge” between the altar and community. They assist bishops and priests, focusing on service (diakonia) by proclaiming the Gospel, administering certain sacraments, and serving the poor and marginalized.

Those being ordained as Permanent Deacons are listed below in alphabetical order:

• Kevin J. Kelly, a member of Saint Bernadette Parish in Drexel Hill (Delaware County).
• John A. Milius, a member of Annunciation B.V.M. Parish in Havertown (Delaware County).
• Shawn P. Terkhorn, a member of Corpus Christi Parish in Lansdale (Montgomery County).

Read more about the men being ordained as Permanent Deacons here.

Thanks to the generous support of the Catholic Charities Appeal, the Mass will be streamed live via the Archdiocesan Vimeo Channel (https://vimeo.com/event/2470138); Archbishop Pérez’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/ArchbishopPerez/); Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary’s website (https://www.scs.edu/); and Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/StCharlesSem/); beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Please contact Daniel Kearns with any technical concerns regarding the live stream coverage at 215-888-0305 (cell).

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Editor’s Note: A press audio/video mult-box clean feed will be provided with multiple HD-SDI video (BNC) and mic/line (XLR) connections. Crews will need a live truck or recording device. Broadcast media outlets will have parking availability in the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center parking lot. The parking lot entrance is located on 17^th Street.

Program Feed https://vimeo.com/event/2470138

Broadcast Clean Feed https://vimeo.com/event/5616412

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Background on Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary

Founded in 1832, Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary serves the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and numerous arch/dioceses across the country, forming men for the Roman Catholic priesthood and diaconate through rigorous academic, human, spiritual, and pastoral preparation as well as providing numerous educational offerings for leaders of the Church.

About the Catholic Charities Appeal 

The Catholic Charities Appeal (CCA) of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is the Archdiocese’s largest annual fundraising effort, supporting one in five people each year across the five-county metropolitan region.

In 2026, CCA continues its Giving Hope to All mission by extending Christ’s love through more than 100 ministries and programs that provide food, shelter, education, and care to those most in need. These efforts support Social Services; Special Education; Mission Parishes; Retired and Infirmed Priests; Cultural Ministries; and Life, Family, and Laity programs.

 Catholic Church of Philadelphia
 ArchPhilly
 ArchPhilly

Contact: Kenneth A. Gavin
Chief Communications Officer
215-587-3747 (office)