The Journey of Discernment
Deacon Steve Kramer Comments Off on The Journey of Discernment
It was early January 1994 when I made my canonical retreat prior to ordination to the diaconate in May of that year. Three of us went to the Trappist monastery of St. Joseph Abbey in Spencer, Massachusetts. My memories of that time away from “the world” are still quite vivid. It was an intense period Read More
Wide-ranging Questions on the Diaconate Considered
Deacon Victor Puscas Comments Off on Wide-ranging Questions on the Diaconate Considered
Once upon a time, I worked as an attorney. I walked into court one day and saw a birthday cake. The judge, sporting a flattop crewcut, invited me to have a piece and explained that it was the birthday of the Marine Corps (Nov. 10). Provocatively, I said, “Oh, yeah … that’s the division of Read More
Cultivating Compunction
Susan Kehoe Comments Off on Cultivating Compunction
In October 2021, I attended an ecumenical conference which brought together Christians from many different faith traditions. All the speakers were excellent and thought-provoking. But an Anglican deacon’s talk on sin and retrieving introspection and compunction impacted me the most. He quoted extensively from the Fathers and saints of the Church. Yet the concept of Read More
Psychological Asceticism
Deacon Robert T. Yerhot 1
We often underestimate the experience of contemplative prayer. To be present to the Father’s love inevitably brings about a purification, which is both an intense joy and an equally intense suffering. Few of us are emotionally prepared for such a purification. It is more than our wounded humanity can sustain if we try to go Read More
New Ministry Helps Deacons Develop Interior Life
Tony Gutiérrez Comments Off on New Ministry Helps Deacons Develop Interior Life
Deacon Stephen Miletic recalls, as a deacon candidate, attending a lecture by a deacon discussing the importance of developing the interior life as part of the formation process. Deacon Miletic and his classmate, Deacon Mark Erste, connected with the message and asked themselves, “How come that’s not here?” “That’s what this is all focused on, Read More
What about the Wives?
Lani Dale Bogart Comments Off on What about the Wives?
“Just tell me what I have to do, and I’ll do it!” In my experience with wives of men in formation for the diaconate, one thing women consistently find frustrating is the lack of a clear definition of the role of a deacon’s wife. Women are generally accustomed to shouldering the responsibility for innumerable details Read More
The Fundamentals of Better Catholic Preaching
Deacon Peter Lovrick Comments Off on The Fundamentals of Better Catholic Preaching
The Homiletic Directory (2017) articulated a clear vision as to what the Church calls the preacher to do in his preaching and, just as important, what not to do. Preachers naturally look for concrete methods for preparing and delivering homilies as envisioned by the directory. That practical advice is valuable, but at the same time Read More
The Deacon and Easter
Deacon William T. Ditewig Comments Off on The Deacon and Easter
And so we arrive at Easter, following the 40 days of Lent and then the chairos time of Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday. Those special three days of the sacred Triduum hold a special place in deacons’ hearts, minds and ministry. Most of us, along with priests, catechists, musicians and so many others, Read More