Deacon William Ruane (left), the new director of the Permanent Diaconate for the Paterson Diocese, poses with Father Paul Manning (center), diocesan vicar of evangelization, and Deacon Peter Cistaro, who retired as Permanent Diaconate director.

Deacon Cistaro retires as permanent diaconate director; Deacon Ruane takes the helm

Deacon Peter Cistaro picked the Solemnity of Ss. Peter and Paul, June 29, for the day to retire after nine and a half years as director of the permanent diaconate for the Paterson Diocese. The feast is special to Deacon Cistaro because it honors the parish he serves, St. Peter the Apostle in Parsippany, and his ministry at St. Paul Inside the Walls in Madison.

“I have loved every minute as director. It has been an honor, blessing, and privilege to serve two outstanding bishops who have given me the trust, confidence, and support to fulfill my responsibilities,” Deacon Cistaro said.

As director, Deacon Cistaro served the deacons of the diocese — active and retired and those who moved away. He also accompanied 37 men through formation and ordination and the eight men, who are currently in the formation process.

“Thank you for your brotherhood as deacons, our friendships, and our collaboration to make the Diocese of Paterson permanent diaconate the best it can be,” said Deacon Cistaro to his brother deacons. He will continue to assist the diaconate and the mission of St. Paul’s and serving St. Peter’s. 

Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney said Deacon Cistaro served with faithfulness and wisdom and has been a valuable resource to him, diaconate candidates, deacons, and pastors for the formation and ongoing direction of the diaconate.

“I am grateful to Peter and his wife, Mary Ann, for their faithful service to the Diocese of Paterson,” Bishop Sweeney said.

Bishop Sweeney appointed Deacon William Ruane, associate director of the Permanent Diaconate since January, as the new director. He serves St. Matthew the Apostle Parish in Randolph. In addition to his liturgical ministries, Deacon Ruane has been active in managing the food pantry and leading the men’s sharing group.

On the diocesan level, Deacon Ruane has helped review and update the diaconate formation process. A retired vice president and associate general counsel at Wyeth, he said he is honored and humbled to accept the challenge to succeed his predecessor “who has done a tremendous job.”

Deacon Ruane said he looks forward to working with the current class of men in formation who will be ordained in 2026, and planning for the future class of candidates, who will be ordained in 2029. It is a “new moment,” because, for the first time, the diaconate program in its work with Immaculate Conception Seminary at Seton Hall University will offer the academic formation component in Spanish, as well as English, he said. 

Deacon Cistaro and Deacon Ruane have been guided by the scripture verse “I have not come to be served, but to serve” (Mt 20:28). At ordination, a deacon is configured to the image of Christ the Servant. Their special calling is to serve the Church and its people, said Deacon Ruane.

“That is a great responsibility and one that I think all deacons try to live up to,” Deacon Ruane said.

Bishop Sweeney expressed his gratitude to Deacons Cistaro and Ruane and all permanent deacons and their families.

“In our local Church of Paterson, we are blessed by deacons joyfully serving as heralds of the Gospel and ministers of charity. I pray that Almighty God will continue to strengthen them in the Lord’s service,” Bishop Sweeney said.

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