Some Interesting Deacons

[HagiaSophia]

Nice article on the diaconate:

"…Did you know that your Sunday homilist operates an insurance agency, and also ministers to people with psychiatric issues?

Or that the man who performed last Saturday’s wedding is a distinguished college professor?

Or that the person who officiated at a recent family funeral is a retired engineer?

Interesting mixes, to be sure. Despite the diversity of professional backgrounds, there’s a common link among permanent deacons: their deep desire to serve the church.

“These guys are tremendously dedicated men,” said Deacon David Palma, diocesan director of deacon personnel. He noted that approximately 100 permanent deacons – including many from the Southern Tier – are on active assignment in the Rochester Diocese, and that several more are retired but remain highly involved in ministry.

This vocation, prevalent in the ancient church, was restored in the universal Catholic Church following the Second Vatican Council. Permanent deacons carry out such duties as reading the Gospel and preaching at Masses; presiding at baptisms, weddings and funerals; teaching and counseling; and performing various acts of charity and justice…"

catholiccourier.com/tmp1.cfm?nid=77&articleid=82361&cfid=3257028&cftoken=80159433

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

HagiaSophia:

Or that the man who performed last Saturday’s wedding is a distinguished college professor?

Could tell this was about deacons in the Latin Church right there.

catholiccourier.com/tmp1.cfm?nid=77&articleid=82361&cfid=3257028&cftoken=80159433

And then I noticed it is from the Rochester Diocese.

For me though, about the diaconate, I question the need of a Masters Degree. It seems our Byzantine Churches are picking this up too.

 

[Deacon_Tony560]

ByzCath:

Could tell this was about deacons in the Latin Church right there.

And then I noticed it is from the Rochester Diocese.

For me though, about the diaconate, I question the need of a Masters Degree. It seems our Byzantine Churches are picking this up too.

Good point,David. We have a mechanic who is a very faithfilled deacon, as well as a gardener that was appointed to assist Catholic Charities as a deacon. What matters is in your heart not your IQ.

Deacon Tony

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

Deacon Tony560:

Good point,David. We have a mechanic who is a very faithfilled deacon, as well as a gardener that was appointed to assist Catholic Charities as a deacon. What matters is in your heart not your IQ.

Deacon Tony

Fr Deacon Tony,
I assume you are a Latin Church deacon but I hope you do not mind my using the way we address our deacons in the Byzantine Church to address you here.

I agree with you, but you sort of make the mistake that I hate, which why I dislike the Masters Degree thingy.

That is that IQ is measured by schooling/book learning.

I only have an associates degree. Yes I have to do two years of college in my formation for the priesthood (still have issues to work though there maybe will provide an update to those interested when things are settled) but I understand the requirements for the priesthood (to an extent). But for the diaconate? I do not know. The program in my Church has a bachelors degree as an entrance requriement yet one does not earn a Masters Degree when they finish the program. I just do not like it.

 

[Deacon_Tony560]

David-yes, I am in the Latin Rite. We have a program for older vocations, where the fellows go to a seminary for as little as 3 years and receive a certificate in theology, not a degree. They, then if they are successful, are Ordained deacons and then priests. I know of two that had wives that died and now are priests. The one in my diocese is now close to 70 and much loved by all. He was about 64 when he began the seminary. He tried to enter religious orders, but they all said that he was too old. (I don’t agree with the age thing, but these orders have to care for you for the rest of your life. In a way, you are an investment.)

Sounds like you are doing well in your studies.

Deacon Tony