Karim-Habib Gehrmann will become a deacon in the Dresden Cathedral on June 28th

Karim-Habib Gehrmann will become a deacon in the Dresden Cathedral on June 28th

An important day lies ahead for Dresden Cathedral: On June 28, 2025, Karim-Habib Gehrmann will be ordained a deacon by Bishop Heinrich Timmerevers. This solemn ceremony is the first step on the way to ordination and marks a milestone in the spiritual career of Gehrmann, who was born in Berlin in 1997 and belongs to the parish of the Assumption of Mary in Schirgiswalde. The spiritual warm-up begins at 10:15 a.m. under the direction of Chaplain Michael H. Kreher, before the liturgy begins at 10:30 a.m., which is expected by numerous believers and relatives. The celebration takes place in the venerable ambience of the Dresden Cathedral, a place full of tradition and faith.

Karim-Habib Gehrmann is no stranger to the Catholic community: He already made a name for himself before his ordination with his involvement in the youth group in Wilthen and the leadership of the altar boy group in Oppach. He also plays an active role at the deanery and diocese level as a spokesman for the diocese youth helper group. These experiences and his completed studies as an educator as well as the preparatory course in Bamberg have prepared him well for his future tasks.

The path to becoming a deacon

Ordination as a deacon represents an important step for Gehrmann, as training to become a priest is divided into three phases. The candidates first completed a year of preparatory training, followed by five years of theology studies and finally a two-year pastoral course. The latter, which Gehrmann is currently completing at the Erfurt seminary, focuses on practical and pastoral training in church life. The big goal is to enter pastoral care and community life well prepared, as the [Diocese of Erfurt website](https://www.priesterseminar-erfurt.de/priester- Werden/bildung/) explains.

During the pastoral course, not only theoretical knowledge is required. Gehrmann gains practical experience in the parish of St. Mother Teresa in Chemnitz. His future tasks as a deacon will be diverse and range from preaching to officiating baptisms and supporting those who are grieving in difficult times. Gehrmann will also work in charitable pastoral care – a challenge that requires a lot of personal skills and empathy.

Celebrate and pray together

It will be particularly solemn on the eve of the deacon's ordination, June 27th, at 7:30 p.m., in the Kreuzkapelle of the Dresden Cathedral. A solemn vespers will take place there, which will also be led by Bishop Timmerevers and youth pastor Michael H. Kreher. On this occasion we also pray for spiritual vocations and for Gehrmann's future ministry. This spiritual attunement not only promises a beautiful setting for the upcoming consecration, but also a moment of reflection for everyone present.

With his decision to follow the path of deacon, Gehrmann becomes part of a long and traditional process that lays the foundation for a fulfilling spiritual life for many priests. Every stage on this path is significant and shapes the candidates in their personal and spiritual development. Observations and impulses that are collected as part of the pastoral course - among others under the leadership of experienced theologians such as Ansgar Pohlmann or Dr. Michael Menke-Peitzmeyer – promote a positive view of the challenges of the upcoming service.

The anticipation for June 28th is great, both for Gehrmann and for the congregation, which will now welcome a new deacon into its ranks. It remains to be seen how Gehrmann will bring his experience and energy into pastoral care to bring people closer to what it means to live in faith and in service to the community.