This coming Sunday, October 12, is Deacon Sunday in the Catholic Church. On this day, parishes in the United States and Canada will observe a day to encourage vocations to the permanent diaconate and to recognize the dedication of those men who have sacrificed so much of their lives to become deacons, as well as the support of their families (Deacon Steve in our parish of St. Francis).
Deacons have always played an important role in the daily lives of the parishes to which they are assigned. Depending upon the parish, the pastor may have them proclaiming the Gospel, delivering homilies, performing baptisms, witnessing marriages, visiting the sick, and more.
The men called to this vocation are readied to handle their responsibilities over a five-year formation period that concludes with their ordination. Their formation includes the intellectual, spiritual, parochial, marital, family, and personal dimensions of their lives, and is indispensable for all who choose to answer a vocation to the diaconate. For married men, the preparation includes their wives, who provide reinforcement to their husbands’ endeavors.
Despite the importance of the diaconate, there have historically been few resources that can be and are used by parishes and the faithful laity to support their deacons. At our parish of St. Francis, let us recognize the incredible work that Deacon Steve does to strengthen our church and the strong interpersonal relationships he has developed with parishioners as a result. As we did for our priests on Priesthood Sunday last month, let us pray for the continued work of all our wonderful deacons.
God bless you all, St. Serra Vocations Ministry of Bridgeport