A New Offering on the Landscape
Dr. Bill Keimig Comments Off on A New Offering on the Landscape
Since the advent of the Basic Norms for the Formation of Permanent Deacons and the Directory for the Ministry and Life of Permanent Deacons, diocesan formators have struggled to put together solid formation programs. While both sources lay out the principles and guidelines for formation, and while it is possible to develop a solid curriculum Read More
Dachau and the Diaconate: My Father’s Encounter
Deacon John Lohrstorfer Jr. Comments Off on Dachau and the Diaconate: My Father’s Encounter
On April 29, 1945, a young 20-year-old, Pfc. John Lohrstorfer, was assigned as an artillery observer for the 232nd Infantry Regiment of the 42nd Infantry Division, nicknamed the “Rainbow Division.” As he was driving his captain near the vicinity of the Dachau concentration camp in Germany, they received a call to report to the camp Read More
The Reality of Job
Deacon Robert T. Yerhot Comments Off on The Reality of Job
For decades, I was a psychotherapist at a large medical facility in Wisconsin. Hundreds of patients came to me over the years, brokenhearted people, broken by the world, wounded by tragedies and events in life, and feeling very much alone. Perhaps you, too, have experienced this reality in your life. Few of us escape it. Read More
Why Be a Pilgrimage Guide?
Carlos Briceño Comments Off on Why Be a Pilgrimage Guide?
A pilgrimage often becomes the perfect opportunity for deacons to grow as spiritual leaders. Their preparation to act as pilgrimage guides — which involves much prayer and a deep dive into increasing their knowledge of the saints and history connected to the sacred sites to be visited — helps them to embody the spirit of Read More
We Are Deacons of Hope
Deacon Dr. Kevin Cummings Comments Off on We Are Deacons of Hope
Our parish pastor will tell us, as permanent deacons, what our assignments are, but, if we search our hearts, many of us will find the work we want to do, not have to do. The average age of deacons at ordination often limits the time available to effectively organize and begin our public ministry, particularly Read More
Being Unhoused Does Not Mean Homeless
Deacon Joseph R. Ferrari Comments Off on Being Unhoused Does Not Mean Homeless
If you were tortured, would you be able to crack a joke? St. Lawrence (patron: comedians, barbecues) kept his sense of humor even at the point of death. In the third century, he was one of only seven deacons serving the pope in Rome. We know the story: the times were volatile, and a Roman Read More
Productivity vs. Death
Father Deacon Basil Ryan Balke Comments Off on Productivity vs. Death
Just before writing this article, I was spending some time listening to several podcasts and books on productivity. There are all sorts of resources in this space, and all sorts of ways of becoming more efficient and more effective as a person, work or whatever you may find yourself as. For me, as a younger Read More
Embracing the Peripheries
Deacon Dominic Cerrato Comments Off on Embracing the Peripheries
During his pontificate, Pope Francis has highlighted a vision for the Church’s mission, one that weaves the principle of outreach toward the “peripheries” into the very fabric of ecclesial life. This vision, though appearing simple at first, is imbued with rich theological depth and significant pastoral implications, underscoring a call to action. It speaks of Read More