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August 8, 2021
In support of the Permanent Diaconate
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Today I would like to put a plug in for the Permanent
Diaconate. Bishop Zubik recently called for a new class of permanent deacons for our diocese.
The call to the permanent diaconate is one of service to the Church. For deacons, one of the most inspiring Gospel stories is Jesus washing his disciples’ feet at the Last Supper. “As I have done for you,” he told them, “You should also do.” This call to humble, loving service is the very heart of every deacon’s ministry.
Deacons are very familiar in our parish. We are blessed to have two permanent deacons serving our parish; Deacon Dan Kielar, who was ordained in 1999, along with myself from the class of 2011. In addition, we are currently blessed to have Dr. Joe Ross of our parish who is currently in the formation program for the permanent diaconate. God willing, Dr. Ross will be ordained in October of 2022.
While deacons, along with bishops and priests are
ordained clergy, they are ordained particularly to be ministers of service. By our ordination we are privileged to preach, baptize, witness marriages, or preside at some facet of a funeral liturgy. However, there is so much more to the ministry of a deacon. Again, our role is one of service, so you may find us helping at homeless shelters, food pantries, hospitals, prisons, and a variety of other ministries associated with service.
In my ten plus years of ministry, I have had the privilege and honor of being able to assist many individuals and families in their time of need. These situations include baptizing a newborn, visiting those in extended care facilities, helping families get through the pain of burying a loved one, and helping individuals through an annulment process. The graces which flow from a ministry of service are so incredibly rich.
There is another important part to this ministry of service. If the individual is married, the support of one’s wife and family is so needed. I can tell you without any doubt I could not do what I do if it was not for the unselfish love of my wife and sons. There are times when our family plans may be put on hold because of a commitment to my ministry. They too share in my ministry through their own sacrifices in support of me.
The deadline for nominations from a priest or deacon of the diocese is September 1, 2021. If there are questions you may have, please contact me as I will be glad to be of assistance. For more information contact: [email protected] or 412-456-3124 or www.diopitt.org/permanent-diaconate.
God love you,
Deacon John
