In Thanksgiving for the Deacon as Servant

Deacon Ron Fondriest - 30 years
Deacon Harry Turner - 25 years
Deacon Felix Azzola - 20 years
Deacon Frank Iannarino - 20 years
Deacon Robert Killoren - 10 years

The deacons in this issue are celebrating many years of service to God and His people. The Deacon is defined, not by what he does, but by who he is as an ordained servant rooted in faith as a follower of Jesus Christ.

The Deacon is committed to the Gospel. In discerning the invitation to the diaconate from the Lord, the Deacon examines a call to ordained ministry. This is not a position of power, but rather a means to serve. All of us are called to proclaim the Gospel, but a Deacon has made a formal, public, vowed commitment to live as an ordained witness through the Sacrament of Holy Orders.

The Deacon represents the care, love, forgiveness and teaching of the Holy Mother Church. The Deacon is a sign of this love to the Christian community as well as to the broader world. He is a sign of the Gospel and Christ’s Church in his life. He stands as the icon of Jesus the Servant.

It is out of this identity that a Deacon shares his talents in action in many different ways as described in the Deacon Anniversary stories. The ministry of the Deacon is one of service and charity, of witness and proclaiming the Good News, and of leadership in prayer and liturgy.

The Deacon is committed to the Bishop and the local church through his Ordination. His ministry is reflects the ministry of Christ, so that strengthened and enlightened by the Holy Spirit, he serves and enables others to serve, and so he becomes actively involved in the faith community.

The Deacon believes that his sharing in the lifestyle of the faithful as a married or single person gives him a special charism for bringing the living Word into the marketplace. As a Deacon implements the mission of the parish, he is characterized by openness and responsiveness to a wide variety of needs in keeping with his talents.

Because the Deacon frequently provides continuity on a parish staff, the deacon ministry uniquely complements and supports other ministries, both ordained and non-ordained.
The secular employment of the Deacon is also linked with his ministry.

Deacons integrate their family obligations, professional life, and ministerial responsibilities to grow in their commitment to the person and mission of Jesus Christ, the Servant, and they seek holiness in their lives.

Deacons engage in sacramental/liturgical activities, pastoral care, religious education, social services, parish administration, evangelization and RCIA, and diocesan service. Their roles may vary from parish to parish, but their commitment to service is unwavering.

St. Francis of Assisi, a Deacon, summarized the role of the Deacon in this statement: Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.