| October 8, 2007 | Volume 82, Number 25 | |
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Deacons Work WellDeacons in the Diocese of Richmond are a real blessing as they serve in the areas of Word, Worship and Service. With the shortage of priests which is expected to continue as our older priests retire from active ministry, deacons will take on more sacramental roles traditionally handled by the priests. They can baptize and officiate at weddings and graveside services. They are able to proclaim the Gospel and preach at Mass. While priests are necessary for celebration of Mass and the sacraments of Penance and Anointing of the Sick, there are many times when a deacon can be effective in meeting the spiritual needs of parishioners. They have several years of theological and practical formation before ordination. Since all deacons in the Diocese of Richmond are married and most have children, they have a perspective of struggles and harships married people face. At the recent Deacon Convocation held Sept. 20–22 near Lynchburg Deacon Bob Ewan emphasized that the deacon needs to have a prayerful heart. Signs of this are being open, generous, being able to listen to others, believing and having a sense of peace with others. And with all these qualities, there is always a longing for the Living God. It is good news indeed that there are now more than 100 men in our diocese who have responded to be considered as aspirants in the next formation program for deacons. They were to have sent in their autobiographies by Sept. 30 to begin the process of being considered for formation to the diaconate. These autobiographies are to be read by a team of clergy and lay leaders who will look for the right qualities deacons should have. According to Deacon Ewan, the deacon does not set the agenda nor does he advance his own cause. He should seek to help nourish the spirituality of the community he serves. While Sunday Mass at all parishes should be the norm, this is not the case of Good Samaritan parish in Amelia which is featured in this issue as a parish profile. Father Jeffrey Garcia, pastor of St. John Neumann in Powhatan, comes only once a month for Sunday Mass celebrated the night before. On the other three Saturdays Deacons Bob Ewan and Edward Schmidt preside at the liturgy known as Sunday Celebration in the Absence of a Priest. The Liturgy of the Word is the same as it would be at any other parish in the diocese. While there is no priest to preside at the Liturgy of the Eucharist, Communion with previously consecrated hosts is given to the congregation. The future in the diocese seems brighter with the role of the deacon.
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