By Marie Mulvenna
Special to the Citizen

Dennis Carazza of St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Sharpsburg has been selected to participate in the Permanent Diaconate Program of the Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta. Carazza recently was named to the first year “Aspirancy” program for the Diaconate class of 2012. As an ordained deacon, he would be assigned to assist in an Atlanta parish in a wide range of clerical roles.

After nomination by his pastor, Father Daniel J. Fleming, Carazza went through a lengthy application process before being chosen. The five-year program calls for several classes each month, attended by the candidate and spouse. In the summer months, diaconate candidates take part in special projects and trips.

Carazza is a native of Albany, N.Y. and a graduate of Siena College. He attended law school in Albany and was commissioned in the army through an ROTC program.

A veteran of 21 years of military service, he was deployed in the United States, serving as a trial lawyer prosecutor and defense lawyer. His work included working with National Guard units and in administrative hearings.

At St. Mary Magdalene, Carazza has served as Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, Sharpsburg Council #12862. He also is a 4th Degree Knight with the Fr. Beltran Assembly #2606 through St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Fayetteville.

Carazza also has been a member of the parish finance commission and is active as lector, Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, Sacristan and minister to the home bound.

He and his wife, Cathy, a native of Carthage, N.Y., are chairs of the Baptism Preparation Program at the parish.

The Carazzas have a daughter, Meghan, who lives in Texas.

Carazza presently is employed by Sun Trust Bank in estate administration.

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