MARQUETTE — Diocesan seminarian Michael Kowalewski was ordained to the order of transitional deacon Jan. 11 at St. Peter Cathedral in Marquette.

Bishop John Doerfler was the principal celebrant, with the priests of the diocese concelebrating. The term “transitional deacon” is used by many to refer to those ordained deacons who expect to join the priesthood.

Kowalewski, a Rhode Island native, was accepted as a seminarian for the Diocese of Marquette in 2013 for Companions of Christ the Lamb in Paradise, Mich.

In 2016, he began his studies for the priesthood for the Diocese of Marquette. He is studying at Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology in Hales Corners, Wis.

Kowalewski’s parish community is Sacred Heart Parish in L’Anse. He is the son of Tony and Sheryl Kowalewski.