Benjamin Schoonmaker Ordination - A New Chapter
There's a rather special event coming up for a young man named Benjamin Schoonmaker, often called Ben. He is, you see, preparing for a very significant moment in his life, something that marks a new beginning for him and, in a way, for many others too. This upcoming occasion, his ordination, is a truly big deal, bringing together family, friends, and a whole community to celebrate his commitment to a particular path of service. It's a time for shared happiness and quiet reflection, all centered around this important step he is taking.
Ben, at twenty-five years of age, calls St. Mary Parish in Rock Island his home base, which is, you know, a pretty important part of his story. He is the middle child in his family, with two parents, Kevin and Margaret Schoonmaker, who have, I suppose, watched him grow and pursue this calling. He also has a good number of brothers, three of them actually, and one sister, making for a lively household, I imagine. His journey to this point has been, well, a personal one, shaped by his family and his faith community.
The event itself, the ordination, is a very formal ceremony, yet it is also deeply personal. It's a time when, too, the community comes together to support someone stepping into a new role. People will gather to witness this moment, a moment that has been years in the making for Ben. It truly is a cause for celebration and, I mean, a testament to his dedication.
Table of Contents
- Who Is Benjamin Schoonmaker?
- What Sparked Benjamin Schoonmaker's Desire for Priesthood?
- The Ordination Ceremony for Benjamin Schoonmaker
- Community Celebrations and Benjamin Schoonmaker's First Mass
- Bishop Tylka's Words on the Diaconate and Benjamin Schoonmaker
- A Look at the Larger Community's Joy for Benjamin Schoonmaker Ordination
- An Earlier Benjamin Schoonmaker - A Historical Note
- Praying for the Newly Ordained and Benjamin Schoonmaker
Who Is Benjamin Schoonmaker?
Benjamin Schoonmaker, known to many as Ben, is a twenty-five-year-old individual who has, you know, been preparing for a significant life change. He comes from the St. Mary Parish area in Rock Island, which is, in some respects, where his local community ties are strongest. His parents are Kevin and Margaret Schoonmaker, and he holds a unique spot in their family as the middle child among five children. He has, apparently, three brothers and one sister, so his childhood home must have been quite full of activity and, too, a lot of shared moments.
His background, in a way, paints a picture of a young person rooted in family and community. This upcoming event, his ordination, is, I mean, a culmination of years of personal thought and, also, a commitment to a particular path. It's interesting to consider how his family life might have shaped his perspective and, you know, influenced his decisions as he grew older. The support of his family, I suppose, has been a quiet but steady presence throughout his preparation for this moment.
Personal Details - Benjamin Schoonmaker
Here is a little more about Ben Schoonmaker, just so you have a clearer picture of him as he prepares for his ordination:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Benjamin Schoonmaker (often called Ben) |
| Age | 25 |
| Home Parish | St. Mary Parish, Rock Island |
| Parents | Kevin and Margaret Schoonmaker |
| Siblings | Middle child of five; three brothers and one sister |
| Upcoming Event | Priestly Ordination |
| First Mass (as Father Ben) | Saturday, June 7, 2025, 4:30 p.m. Mass |
| Reception | Dessert reception following first Mass |
| Personal Blessings | Offered after first Mass |
What Sparked Benjamin Schoonmaker's Desire for Priesthood?
It's always interesting to hear about what leads someone to choose a particular life's work, and Ben's story, too, has a very personal core. When asked about why he decided to become a seminarian, he shared something quite touching. He explained that every time he would spend time in quiet prayer, a very strong feeling, almost like a warmth, would fill his heart. This feeling, you see, was always connected to the idea of becoming a priest. It was, in a way, a persistent thought that just wouldn't leave him.
He also mentioned that watching priests in action, seeing them bring Jesus Christ’s love and, I mean, kindness to people, especially through the sacraments, truly deepened this feeling. He observed how they served others and, you know, how much good they did in their communities. This observation, apparently, made his desire to follow a similar path grow even stronger. It was, in some respects, a very clear sign for him, even if he didn't quite want to accept it at first.
Interestingly, he admits that he initially tried to put this idea aside. It was, perhaps, something he didn't quite want to do at first, maybe because it felt like a very big commitment. However, certain experiences, like attending Emmaus Days and Totus Tuus, which are, you know, events for young people, along with some local youth activities, helped him come to terms with this deep longing. These experiences, it seems, provided the support and clarity he needed to finally embrace this calling. They were, basically, instrumental in helping him see his path more clearly.
The Ordination Ceremony for Benjamin Schoonmaker
The ordination itself is a very solemn and, you know, meaningful occasion. During the special service, Benjamin Schoonmaker will have some help with the traditional clothing he will wear. Father Luke Spannagel, a national figure, will be there to assist him with his stole and dalmatic, which are, you know, important pieces of a priest's attire. This assistance is, in a way, a symbolic gesture of support and guidance as Ben steps into his new role. It's a moment that, you know, signifies a passing of the torch, so to speak.
The service will be a grand affair, a Solemn Mass, which is, I mean, a very formal type of worship. This particular event is not just for Ben; it is also for the ordination to the diaconate of Francis Charles Strong and Jack Thomas Watt. So, too, these three individuals will be sharing this very special day. It’s a moment of shared commitment and, you know, a public declaration of their intentions to serve. The atmosphere, I imagine, will be filled with a sense of reverence and, also, a quiet joy for everyone present.
For those attending, there's a good chance you'll spot some familiar faces among the priests as they walk in for the procession. It's, basically, a gathering of many who have supported these young men along their way. The community, in some respects, comes together to witness this significant transition. There was even a video, thanks to Ed Hanna, that captured some of the highlights from the ordination of Father Ben Schoonmaker on May 24, 2025, which, you know, gives a glimpse into the joy of that day. It's a way for those who couldn't be there to still feel a part of the celebration.
Community Celebrations and Benjamin Schoonmaker's First Mass
Following the ordination, the community is, you know, really looking forward to celebrating with Father Ben Schoonmaker. There's a special invitation to join in the happiness as they mark his priestly ordination, which is, I mean, a very big milestone. It’s a chance for everyone to come together and, you know, show their support for him as he begins this new chapter in his life. These gatherings are, basically, a way for people to share in the joy and offer their good wishes.
Father Ben is scheduled to celebrate his first Mass as a priest on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at the 4:30 p.m. service. This is, you see, a very meaningful occasion for him and for the parish. After the Mass, parishioners will have a wonderful chance to meet and greet the newly ordained Father Ben at a dessert reception. It’s a relaxed setting where people can, you know, chat with him and express their congratulations. These kinds of receptions are, I suppose, a warm way to welcome someone into their new role.
What's more, Father Ben will also be offering personal blessings to anyone who is interested. This is, in a way, a very kind gesture, allowing people to receive a special moment of prayer from him. If someone is unable to make it to the reception, there might be other ways to connect, but the main point is that he is making himself available to his new flock. It's, too, a very tangible way for him to begin his ministry and, you know, connect with the people he will serve.
Bishop Tylka's Words on the Diaconate and Benjamin Schoonmaker
During the ordination Mass for transitional deacons Benjamin Schoonmaker, Francis Strong, and Jack Watt, Bishop Louis Tylka gave a homily that, you know, outlined the specific duties of the diaconate. This talk is, in some respects, a very important part of the ceremony, as it helps everyone present understand the significance of the roles these men are taking on. It’s a moment for reflection on the service and, you know, the responsibilities that come with this calling. The bishop’s words are, basically, meant to guide and inspire.
The diaconate is, I mean, a step on the path to priesthood, and the bishop's message would have clarified what that step entails. He would have spoken about how these deacons are called to assist priests, to proclaim the Gospel, and to serve the community, especially those in need. His homily, in a way, sets the tone for their future ministry and, too, helps the congregation appreciate the depth of their commitment. It’s a moment where the spiritual meaning of the ordination is, you know, really brought to the forefront for everyone.
This particular homily, I suppose, would have also served as a moment of encouragement for Benjamin Schoonmaker, Francis Strong, and Jack Watt as they prepared to take on these sacred duties. It's a reminder of the purpose behind their actions and, you know, the impact they are about to have. The bishop's words are, basically, a foundational piece for their ongoing spiritual journey and, too, their service to the people. It’s a very significant part of the entire ordination process, really.
A Look at the Larger Community's Joy for Benjamin Schoonmaker Ordination
The wider community, especially the Diocese of Peoria, is, you know, truly celebrating with happiness the ordination of three new priests. This event, which happened on Saturday, May 24, at St. Mary's Cathedral, was a moment of collective happiness and, I mean, a shared sense of accomplishment. Bishop Tylka performed the ordination, which is, basically, the formal act that makes them priests. It's a day that, you know, brings a lot of good feelings to many people.
There was a lot of excitement leading up to this, with calls to pray for Deacon Jack Watt from the Diocese of Peoria as he and others prepared for their #priesthoodordination on May 25. Mundelein Seminary, a place where many future priests study, also shared messages about #vocations and #ordination, highlighting the importance of these events for #peoriacatholic communities. St. Mary's Cathedral and St. Longina Alvarez were mentioned in posts that garnered a good number of likes and comments, showing, too, the widespread interest and support.
The sentiment from the community is, basically, one of immense joy and gratitude. People are asked to pray for these new priests as they begin their service to the people of the Diocese of Peoria. This collective prayer is, in a way, a powerful expression of support and, you know, a desire for their ministry to be fruitful. It's clear that the ordination of Benjamin Schoonmaker, alongside his fellow deacons, is a moment that, too, resonates deeply within the faith community, bringing people together in celebration.
An Earlier Benjamin Schoonmaker - A Historical Note
It's interesting to note that the name Benjamin Schoonmaker has a history, with records showing an earlier person by that name. This Benjamin Schoonmaker, whose family lineage includes Hendrick Jochemse Jochemsze (Hendricksz), Jochem Hendricks, Hendrick Jochemse, or Jochim Schomaker, was born on May 11, 1719, in Kingston, Ulster County, New York. He, too, lived a life that, in some respects, contributed to the history of his time. It's a reminder that names can carry on through generations, even if the individuals are very different.
This older Benjamin Schoonmaker passed away in 1775 in Upper Milford or Smithfield, Monroe County, Pennsylvania. It appears that this Benjamin Schoonmaker, or Shoemaker as the name sometimes appears, might be the one who made a change to his family's name at some point. This kind of detail is, you know, often found when looking into family histories and, basically, tracing back the roots of a family line. It shows how names can evolve and, too, how people make their mark in different places.
There's also a historical connection to a place called Appeldoorn Farm, which got its name from the many apple thorn or devil’s snare plants there. The farm's story goes back to 1722, when this earlier Benjamin Schoonmaker and his wife set up their home on that plot of land. Over the years, that original property, which was about 130 acres, has been divided into several smaller pieces. It's a little bit of history that, you know, ties the name to a specific place and time, offering a glimpse into the past. Genealogical records, too, compare DNA and explore the family connections for this Benjamin Schoonmaker, born before 1719 and passing away in 1774, including his ancestors and descendants, with comments from genealogists and DNA connections in a free family tree community. This, I mean, shows how deep the historical roots of the name can go.
Praying for the Newly Ordained and Benjamin Schoonmaker
There’s a strong call to prayer for these three individuals – Deacon Francis Strong, Deacon Jack Watt, and Deacon Benjamin Schoonmaker – as they make their very final preparations to be ordained to the priesthood of Jesus Christ. This collective prayer is, you know, a way for the community to offer its spiritual support during such a significant time. It’s a moment of shared anticipation and, basically, a desire for everything to go well for them as they step into this new role. The power of prayer is, too, often felt deeply in these moments.
Many people plan to attend the ordination Mass in Peoria, showing their personal commitment to being there for this milestone. It's a public gathering where the faith community comes together to witness and, you know, celebrate these new beginnings. The request for prayers extends specifically to Deacons Benjamin Schoonmaker, Francis Strong, and Jack Watt, as they were set to be ordained to the priesthood of Jesus Christ on May 24th at 10:30 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception. This particular date also holds personal significance for some, as it marked a 17th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood for another individual, making the day even more special for the broader community, in a way.
The collective good wishes and prayers for these men as they begin their ministry are, I mean, a very important part of their transition. It’s a way for the community to show its care and, you know, its hope for their success in serving others. This support is, basically, a vital element as they embark on this path. It truly is a moment of great joy and, too, a deep sense of shared purpose for everyone involved.
The text you've just read has explored the significant event of Benjamin Schoonmaker's ordination, detailing his personal background, including his family from St. Mary Parish in Rock Island, and what led him to pursue the priesthood. We looked at the specifics of the ordination ceremony itself, noting the involvement of Father Luke Spannagel and the shared occasion with Francis Charles Strong and Jack Thomas Watt. The article also touched on the community's plans for celebration, including Father Ben's first Mass and a dessert reception, along with Bishop Louis Tylka's guidance on the roles of the diaconate. Furthermore, it highlighted the broader community's joy and prayers for the newly ordained, and even included a historical note about an earlier Benjamin Schoonmaker, connecting the name to a past lineage and a historical farm. The overall piece aimed to give a comprehensive picture of this important event and the person at its center.
Biografia De Benjamin Franklin - FDPLEARN
Biografia di Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin | Biography, Inventions, Books, American Revolution
