Ordination day was a mixed bag of emotions for Joseph C. Wilhelm Jr.

The 58-year-old Lehighton native had just fulfilled his goal of 15 years to become a permanent deacon at the SS. Peter and Paul parish.However, the six-year process coming to a close on April 25 meant he would have to say goodbye to many new friends."It's a long process to become a deacon, and I felt a lot of joy and happiness as well as a sense of accomplishment," Wilhelm said."There was also some sorrow because my classmates were a great group of guys. We were going our separate ways after six years, and that was a tough pill to swallow."A lifelong member of the parish, Wilhelm said the thought of becoming a deacon first surfaced around 2000, but there was a problem. His application was rejected."We had a daughter who was 1-year-old at the time and it was just more important for me to be there for my family," Wilhelm said. "Seven years later, I applied again was accepted."The Diocese of Allentown said its permanent diaconate class of 47 men was the largest in the country this year.But only a handful of deacons are active in Carbon County and only four more joined the mix from the large 2015 class."With the priest shortage, I know they are overworked, and if I can do something to help, that is great," said Wilhelm of his motivation to apply.Wilhelm told the Diocese that frequent conversations with a previous deacon at the parish, Bill Wagner, sparked his interest.On April 26, he proclaimed the Gospel for the first time during a SS. Peter and Paul Mass."I looked down and the first words I saw were 'Jesus said,'" Wilhelm recalled. "In 15 or more years as a lector, it was the first time I got to read that."His parish involvement also includes serving as a Eucharistic minister, on the building and grounds committee, and as plant manager."I cut the grass, clear the pavements of snow, maintain the buildings and heating system," he said. "Anything to help out."Wilhelm said he looks forward to attending communion services at the local nursing homes.Deacons can baptize, witness marriages, conduct funeral services, and preside at prayer services and devotions. He may also preach at Mass, give instructions to people wishing to become Catholic, be involved in religious education, and conduct marriage and family enrichment programs.Father Michael Ahrensfield, pastor at SS. Peter and Paul, said having a permanent deacon is a new experience for him."I've never had one but it's really beneficial because if we have a lot going on, I can get to something and (Wilhelm) can get to something, we can serve the parish better," Ahrensfield said."Having a deacon gives our parishioners someone to talk to who has lived the sacrament of matrimony and can help young couples understand what marriage is all about."