June 7, 2015
Ordained as permanent deacon in February 1999 by then Bishop Joseph Fiorenza
at St. Justin Martyr Catholic Church and was assigned at Notre Dame Catholic
Church since then.
A mechanical and industrial engineer by profession, he retired as senior project
engineer at NASA’s space program. A 4th degree member of the Knights of
Columbus, he served as a grand knight of KC Council at St. Justin Martyr Church.
He is presently spiritual director of the Southwest Houston Curia of the Legion of
Mary.
Married for 48 years to Paz Bago Abadejos, a teacher and a graduate nurse, who
retired 13 years ago to care for her 7 grandchildren and assist Deacon Ernie in his
diaconate ministry. She has been a lector, extraordinary minister of Holy
Communion, marriage counselor and sponsor couple/ wedding coordinator.
Their union is blessed with two daughters: Pauline, a nurse instructor married to
Dr. Brian Tremaine with 3 children; and Jocelyn, a nutrition instructor married to
computer system engineer Rick Aventurado with 4 children.
Highlight of Deacon Ernie’s ministry is his going to Rome in 2007 where he
served as deacon of the altar at the 1st Mass of Cardinal DiNardo in the Basilica
Maria Maggiore with Father Dat Hoang as the Master of Ceremony.