These celebrations brought together Noel’s family and friends from Yellowknife and British Columbia, local parishioners, and Redemptorist confrères from across the Province of Canada and Baltimore. On September 9, Noel made his Perpetual Profession as a Redemptorist, professing the vows of poverty, chastity, obedience, and perseverance. His vows were received by Fr. Santo Arrigo, C.Ss.R., Provincial Superior of the Province of Canada, and witnessed by Fr. Tony Bidgood, C.Ss.R., and Fr. Ciro Alfonso Perez, C.Ss.R.

In his homily, Fr. Santo described the occasion as “a day of celebration,” giving thanks for the mystery of a life generously offered in the service of the Lord. He reminded Noel that perpetual profession was a significant step not only for him, but also for the Redemptorist community: “You have chosen us, and we have chosen you.”

Reflecting on St. Paul’s call to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, Fr. Santo noted that these qualities have already been evident in Noel’s life and ministry. He also reflected on the meaning of Redemptorist religious life: not withdrawing from the world, but following Christ into the world. “Let go of the world by taking on the world,” he said, encouraging Noel to continue bringing the presence of Christ into the ordinary encounters of daily life.

Fr. Santo in his homily also recalled another symbol of Noel’s ministry: his pickleball racquet. Whether through sport, conversation, or service, Noel has a gift for meeting people where they are and allowing Christ’s presence to shine through ordinary encounters.

Just three days later, on September 12, the community gathered again, this time for Noel’s Ordination to the Diaconate. Bishop Jon Hansen, C.Ss.R., of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith, ordained Noel to the transitional diaconate.

Fr. Ray Douziech, C.Ss.R., Noel’s novice master, preached the homily. Beginning with the words of Psalm 118, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it,” Fr. Ray reflected especially on Noel’s characteristic smile, his enthusiasm, and his deep love for the Church, for Jesus, and for people. From Vancouver to Toronto, San Antonio, Yellowknife, and St. John’s, Noel has found communities where people have become friends. As Noel has expressed it, each place has become a “classroom” where Jesus has taught him how to love.

That love, Fr. Ray emphasised, is at the heart of Noel’s new ministry. Reflecting on the Gospel of John, he encouraged Noel to abide in the love of Christ, allowing that love to shape his preaching, service, and daily life.

Together, the two celebrations marked a significant moment in Noel’s journey: a perpetual “yes” to life as a Redemptorist and a new commitment to serve the Church as a deacon.

May Noel continue to respond to God’s call with the same love, generosity, and joy that have marked his journey thus far.

May he continue to preach the Good News, to live the Good News, and to be the Good News!