Scripture
Beyond Box-Checking
4 months ago Deacon Leon Suprenant Comments Off on Beyond Box-Checking
We all realize that ordination is only the starting gate and not the finish line when it comes to diaconal ministry. Still, for those involved in diaconal formation, it’s fair to say that there’s a strong desire to exhale after the ordination of a cohort! Yet we quickly realize that the grace of the sacrament Read More
Wise Guides
6 months ago Deacon William T. Ditewig Comments Off on Wise Guides
In this essay, I hope to reflect on the importance of mentoring and suggest how deacons might be uniquely positioned to provide mentoring. So, what is a mentor? A mentor is someone who has more experience in a field we are entering, and who is willing to walk with us, inspire us and share with Read More
A Praiseworthy Place
10 months ago Deacon Victor Puscas Comments Off on A Praiseworthy Place
I recently had the great privilege of attending the inaugural Deacon’s Conference at the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology in Steubenville, Ohio. Deacons from 20 states and two countries attended the weekend conference, titled “Conformed to Christ the Servant: A Scriptural Approach to the Permanent Diaconate.” Among the many outstanding speakers was the theologian Read More
B.I.B.L.E
3 years ago Teresa Tomeo Comments Off on B.I.B.L.E
“The Bible is the only book whose author is present when one reads it.” I came across this profound statement concerning the reading of Scripture shortly after having some incredible experiences while doing my daily prayers and Mass readings. I don’t know to whom this quote is exactly attributed, but it is so very true Read More
The Bible and the Eucharist: A Symbiotic Relationship
5 years ago Dr. Stephen Fahrig 1
From what sources should a deacon’s spiritual and ministerial life be nurtured? Two which are of primary importance are sacred Scripture and the holy Eucharist. The Directory for the Life and Ministry of Permanent Deacons, issued by the Vatican’s Congregation for the Clergy in 1998, exhorts deacons both to “deepen their knowledge of the word, Read More
‘Today This Scripture Has Been Fulfilled in Your Hearing’
5 years ago Deacon Anthony Clishem Comments Off on ‘Today This Scripture Has Been Fulfilled in Your Hearing’
There are times when a Scripture is unmistakably meant for you. In the second year of my diaconal ministry, I came to understand this in a new and profound way. The occasion was a Mass for Catholic school principals in the Archdiocese of Chicago. As a deacon who also happened to be a principal, I Read More
The Theodicy of Tobit
5 years ago Deacon Daniel Lowery 1
“Why do bad things happen to good people?” This perennial question cries for an answer, an explanation of some kind, a theodicy. How can an all-knowing, all-powerful and all-good God permit suffering? This is a particular challenge for deacons who encounter others who have experienced tragedies of one kind or another as well as those Read More