Gaylord, MI 49735 
Name the three bishops who have served as ordinary of the Diocese of Gaylord
Four Ordained Permanent Deacons
On Saturday, June 21, John Falicki, Mathew Lyberg, Glen Painter, and Doug Wigton were ordained Permanent Deacons by Bishop Patrick R. Cooney at St. Mary Cathedral in Gaylord. Over 500 friends, family and faithful from around the diocese were in attendance.
These men all entered the deacon formation program at various stages in their educational and theological development. The program has been coordinated by Sr. Arlene Bennett, RSM. Each of the men has successfully completed several years of formation and development which includes spirituality, coursework through the diocese’s Center for Catholic Studies, a practicum and scrutinium by the Bishop. The time it takes an individual to complete the process can vary a great deal depending on an individual’s circumstances.
Deacon John Falicki was a member of the inaugural group of ten men accepted into the deacon formation program in September, 2003. Even though at times, he had to put his studies on hold, he continued his journey. He says he knew since his childhood growing up in Grand Rapids that he wanted to have an active leadership role in the Catholic Church. He also had an uncle and cousin who were priests.
His inspiration to keep working toward through the diaconate program was his wife, Dawn. At times when he thought of giving up, she encouraged and supported him. He has two adult children. A graduate of Michigan State University, Falicki enjoys playing golf and working with wood, especially making toys for his grandchildren.
Deacon Falicki is assigned to Christ the King, Acme. His ministry will include liturgical functions of a deacon at Mass, conducting Pre Cana sessions for the Diocese, and offering Bible studies for the parish and for prison ministry.
Deacon Matthew Lyberg, Sr. hold’s a Masters of Social Work from the University of Michigan. He enjoys fishing, computers and biking. He and his wife Mary Anne have four grown children.
Lyberg has considered this vocation “all his life” and though he faced many road blocks, both personally and external, he is thrilled that this milestone has finally been reached.
“Over the past four and a half years, I’ve been told how much I’ve changed,” Lyberg said. “I still have strong and weak points, but I also have the willingness to serve wherever the Bishop needs me to.”
When he was just five years old, Lyberg told his brother that he wanted to be a minister. Service to the Lord has been strong throughout both his and his wife’s family history. Lyberg’s brother is a retired pastor and he has a nephew who is also a pastor. His wife’s family includes Fr. Vincent Kennedy who was the head of the Basilian order and served on the Liturgical Commission at Vatican II. In addition, there have been many other priests and religious sisters in the family.
Lyberg is assigned to Christ the King, Acme with ministries to include liturgical functions of a deacon at Mass, conducting Pre Cana sessions for the Diocese, offering first level counseling as assigned by the Pastor and ministry with Worldwide Marriage Encounter.
Deacon Glen Painter received a Masters degree from Central Michigan University. Painter also completed the diocesan Institute for Christian Discipleship in 2000. He enjoys working in his yard as well as camping and fishing in the summer and bowling and crafts during the long winter months.
Four and a half years ago, Painter’s parish priest planted a seed when he asked, “Why don’t you become a deacon?” This led to his decision and discernment to pursue the diaconate.
“I have always been conscious of serving others,” Painter said. “This has been reflected in my volunteer activities with Hospice, nursing homes, various community service committees, catechist, spiritual care, DRE and as a Faith Formation Field Representative for the diocese.”
Painter has been married to wife Linda for 25 years and they will celebrate their silver anniversary in September with a trip to Rome. They have six children and nine grandchildren who have supported him on this journey.
Deacon Painter is assigned to Holy Family Parish in Klacking Creek with ministries to include liturgical functions of a deacon at Mass, hospice ministry, continuing his service as a diocesan faith development field representative and serving the poor with the Knights of Columbus.
Deacon Doug Wigton is a family practice physician in Traverse City and is a graduate of Michigan State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine. His hobbies include playing the piano, organ and violin.
A friend invited Wigton to consider the diaconate.
“Although it was a desire of my heart, I really did not want to do it if God wasn’t behind it,” Wigton said. “I asked the Lord to confirm this by having two more people tell me the same thing within a week. Although no one had ever told me that I should become a Deacon prior to that time, two other friends told me the same thing during the next seven days. I felt I had God’s blessing to apply. I did, and have not regretted it. The journey has been fantastic.”
Wigton has been married for 36 years to Jan and together they have ten children. Their oldest son, Matthew, was ordained to the priesthood by Pope John Paul II and is serving in Rome. The Wigton’s fifth son, Peter, is a third year seminarian, currently in Rome. The couple has eight grand children and Wigton describes his family as his “greatest joy.”
Deacon Wigton is assigned to Holy Rosary Parish in Cedar with ministry of medical care for the poor and underserved, activities to promote the sanctity of life and efforts for evangelization.
All four men expressed their thanks to Bishop Cooney, Sr. Arlene Bennett, their parish priests and the faithful of the Diocese of Gaylord for the support and encouragement they have received on their path toward ordination.