Deacon Dennis. on the. My Dear Brothers,

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1 A R C H D I O C E S E O F A T L A N T A P E R M A N E N T D E A C O N A T E Published quarterly 2401 Lake Park Drive Smyrna, GA F I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E : Formation Pray for Us Dates 2 3 NADD 4 Tax Information 6 Q & A 7 Polo Shirts 8 NDICE 10 Wives Day of reflection Looking for a few good men My Dear Brothers, In the words of St. Francis, as it is written he greeted all he encountered, The Lord give you peace! We are in this new year of 2017 and it has started off very quickly. Our pre-ordination retreat was at the monastery in Cullman the week of January 8 th and it was a blessed time of prayer and reflection for all of us. The Rite of Candidacy and the Institutions of Reader and Acolyte were held at St. Philip Benizi on the 18 th and Ordination is coming quickly on February 4th at the Cathedral. It is such a great 1 privilege to be a part of these special events in the life of our Deacons and the men in Formation. It is humbling to recall the same liturgies happening in our own lives and a constant reminder of our call to this amazing vocation of Deacon. We are a little behind in getting out the annual survey for diaconal assignments and that will be happening before the end of the month. If you are thinking that a change would be in order this is the time to share that with us via the survey. In this issue please take note of the information on the 2018 gathering of deacons for the celebration of the 50 th anniversary of the restoration of the Permanent Diaco- J A N U A R Y nate in the United States. This will be happening in New Orleans. I pray that all of you will have a wonderful 2017, filled with the blessing of good health, fruitful ministry and peace in your heart and your home. Please be sure to check the list of upcoming events in the Archdiocese that pertain to our deacons. They are listed later in the Beacon! Know that I am here to serve you and that you are in my prayers. Please keep our entire community in prayer! Sincerely in Christ, Deacon Dennis

2 P A G E 2 Formation Forum Penny Simmons vocations/ deacons/ We are in Ordinary Time! As a church we enter this time of watchful expectation. Just as in the church year, this is not a time in Diaconate Formation that is ordinary. It is in fact, a very busy, special time of watchful expectation. We have been preparing to begin Diaconate Formation Classes once again ordering books, preparing syllabi, and getting Candidates and Aspirants ready to start classes again at the end of January. I hear it often from Candidates, I can t wait to see everyone and begin again. We have become a community that really enjoys being together, praying Morning Prayer, celebrating Mass, and growing in the love of God. On January 18, 2017, Bishop Zarama celebrated the Acceptance into Candidacy of nine men, the Institution of eight Lectors, and the Institution of ten Acolytes. The wonderful celebration of men taking the next steps toward Ordination as Permanent Deacons was held at St. Philip Benizi. We are also in full preparation and watchful expectation for Ordination on February 4, 2017 for the Class of The men, and their families, have entered into an intense time of discernment. We completed a Pre-Ordination retreat at the St. Bernard Abbey in Cullman, Alabama earlier in January. We ask for your prayers for the men and their families who will be ordained as Permanent Deacons on February 4, We also ask you to remember those who are Candidates in formation and those who are just entering Aspirancy. Is our time ordinary, no? It is a time of great expectation and blessing. Peace, Penny Simmons 2

3 Please Pray for Us P A G E 3 For the sick and suffering: Steve Shoemaker, son of Deacon John Shoemaker, who had surgery and is recovering Colin Swan, 11 month old grandson of Deacon Peter Swan Amanda, daughter of Deacon Joe Pupo Carol Kirksey, daughter-in-law of Deacon Timothy K. Kirksey Ray Egan Jr., son of Deacon Ray Egan Liz Schueth, mother of Deacon Paul Schueth For those that have died in Christ: Joseph Zelinka, Brother-in-law of Deacon Jon "Gary" Atkinson, January 13, 2017 Elaine Marie McManus, sister of Deacon John McManus, January 9, 2017 Helen Swope, mother of Deacon Steve Swope, December 16, 2017 Napoleón Marcano, father-in-law of Deacon José Espinosa November 18, 2016 Deacon Eugene P. Dickerson, who passed away on Sunday, October 23, 2016 Dates to Remember Archbishop Gregory s Conference with Deacons has been rescheduled for Thursday, February 2 nd, from 10:00-11:00 am. Ordination 2/4 CTK 10:30 AM (Deacons to vest in alb and white stole) April 24, 2017 Embrace Ministry Benefit Dinner at Regina Coeli Academy May 11, 2017 Mass of Recommitment and Convocation at Holy Spirit Catholic Church May 27, 2017 Transitional Diaconate Ordination at Christ the King June 24, 2017 Priesthood Ordinations at Christ the King Eucharistic Congress June Georgia International Convention Center 3

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6 Tax Information for the Deacon Once ordained, deacons who work full-time or part-time in ministry fall under the same tax rules as diocesan priests. Many deacons and places where they serve are not aware of this. In addition, there are tax strategies for deacons that will save them significant tax dollars. Tax Manual For Deacons is a valuable resource that helps us and the bishops we serve do our due diligence of educating and informing deacons on the law and the correct or best way to follow it. The attached order form can be used to place bulk orders and/or to forward to deacons to promote bulk or encourage individual orders. Orders can be mailed with payment or can be placed immediately at ***The 2017 Supplement complements Tax Manual For Deacons published in 2017 (for tax year 2016), providing for updates to tax year 2016 figures, forms, and data that are or may be primary items of interest and affecting deacons. The 2017 Supplement is available as a PDF delivered via for a reduced cost of $12 as there are no additional shipping and handling costs. To order the 2017 Supplement to Tax Manual For Deacons go to the website then select the Tax Manual For Deacons page on the green menu bar and scroll down and click on the order button labeled Order 2017 Update PDF Only. If you would like to order a copy or another copy of Tax Manual For Deacons for yourself, another deacon, tax preparer or someone else, it will include the 2017 Supplement for $28 plus $10 shipping and handling (bulk pricing available -- see order form). Unfortunately, the tax manual is not available as a PDF so both the tax manual and supplement will be mailed. Simply select the Tax Manual For Deacons page on the green menu bar and scroll down and click on the order button labeled Order Online. 6

7 Questions and Answers Q I have had a question posed to me that I cannot answer absolutely regarding the disposition of cremated remains. I know in the past that cremains must be treated reverently, must be buried in a cemetery plot or mausoleum, and that the plot should be blessed much like a full size casket internment. What are the ramifications if this is not done and the family wishes otherwise assuming that the wake and funeral have been done properly? I was told by the family that they have received conflicting advice from another deacon or priest. If you cannot giver me an answer can you direct me to a person in the AD who might help me? I want to properly advise this family but I will not be participating in their funeral plans with their parish. Thank you. A. Often asked question. There are two places where this is referenced. Catechism of the Catholic Church, which devotes hundreds of words to some subjects, matter-of-factly devotes only 20 words to the topic: "The Church permits cremation, provided that it does not demonstrate a denial of faith in the resurrection of the body" (no. 2301). The current Code of Canon Law (revised in 1983) devotes a mere 30 words that elaborate on the same theme: "The Church earnestly recommends the pious custom of burial be retained; but it does not forbid cremation, unless this is chosen for reasons which are contrary to Christian teaching" (no. 1176). Here's what the US Conference of Catholic Bishops says: Thus, while "cremation is now permitted, it does not enjoy the same value as burial of the body...the Church clearly prefers and urges that the body of the deceased be present for the funeral rites, since the presence of the human body better expresses the values which the Church affirms in its rites." (OCF 413) However, "when extraordinary circumstances make the cremation of a body the only feasible choice, pastoral sensitivity must be exercised by all who minister to the family of the deceased." (OCF 414) The rites for burial of the cremated remains of a body may be found in the appendix to the Order of Christian Funerals. This appendix recommends that when cremation is chosen, the body be cremated after the Funeral, thus allowing for the presence of the body at the Funeral Mass. When pastoral circumstances require it, however, cremation and committal may take place even before the Funeral liturgy. Any catechesis on the subject of cremation should emphasize that "the cremated remains of a body should be treated with the same respect given to the corporeal remains of a human body. This includes the use of a worthy vessel to contain the ashes, the manner in which they are carried, the care and attention to appropriate placement and transport, and the final disposition." (OCF 416) While cremated remains may be buried in a grave, entombed in a mausoleum or columbarium or even buried at sea, "the practice of scattering cremated remains on the sea, from the air, or on the ground, or keeping cremated remains in the home of a relative or friend of the deceased are not the reverent disposition that the Church requires." (OCF 416) The cremated remains of the body may be properly buried at sea in the urn, coffin or other container in which they have been carried to the place of committal. 7

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12 Wives Day of Reflection On January 21, 2017, the Council of Deacons hosted a Wives Day of Reflection for the wives of deacons, wives of men in formation for the diaconate, and the widows of deacons in the Archdiocese of Atlanta. The program was held at St. Thomas More Catholic Church and the theme of the program was, On Embracing a Mystical, Magical, Merciful Life. The program was presented by the Cenacle Sisters of Georgia, Sister Susan Arcara and Sister Barbara Young. There was a presentation by each Sister, time for silent reflection, small group discussion, and a closing ceremony about mentors and support for each other. The day ended with a very nice lunch from a local restaurant. Evaluations of the program were very positive and plans are already under way for this to become an annual program. Deacon Tom Walter 12

13 We are looking for Deacon Mentors This is an excerpt from the Manual for Deacon Mentors: As a mentor, you will make a very important contribution to the process of forming men for the permanent diaconate, to our Archdiocese and to the candidate whom you have agreed to assist. The deacon mentor significantly influences the degree to which a candidate develops as a man, grows his spiritual life, becomes more pastorally aware and increases his understanding of the faith. The role of the deacon mentor in the formation of men for the permanent diaconate is of special importance. Deacons that serve as mentors can make contributions of incalculable value by assisting the candidate in discerning his vocation and helping him understand the changes that will occur as he is literally formed for the vocation of deacon. A trusted and caring deacon mentor can have a strong impact on both the candidate s formation and his prospects for a meaningful, satisfying and service filled ministry. We are looking for Deacons, ordained at least three years, who would be a Deacon Mentor for a man in Diaconate Formation. A Deacon Mentor Training Session is being scheduled for March 25, 2017, at the new Diaconal Formation Center located on the campus of St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church. The session will run from 9:15 am to 12:15 pm. We celebrate Mass at 8:00 am and you are invited to join us for Mass too. If you are interested in this ministry, and would like to know more about your role, the time involved and any other questions, please Penny Simmons at psimmons@archatl.com or give me a phone call at to let me know that you will attend the training session. We especially need Mentors on the Southside of Atlanta. Peace, Penny Simmons 13