The Deacon Inquirer FEBRUARY 28, 2012 VOLUME 2. Season of Self-Discovery By Fr. Gary Pennings

Transcription

1 The Deacon Inquirer FEBRUARY 28, 2012 VOLUME 2 Office of the Permanent Diaconate Director: Father Gary Pennings, V.G. (913) ext. 155 Associate Director: Father Gregory Hammes Pastoral Associate for Administration: Mr. Leon Suprenant (913) Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas Parallel Parkway Kansas City, KS Attn: Office of the Permanent Diaconate Phone: Diaconate@archkck.org Website: e.aspx?pid=736 Important Dates: April 15 th Deadline for submitting Permanent Diaconate Applications Aspirancy Program: September 7-9, 2012 October 5-7, 2012 November 9-11, 2012 December 7-9, 2012 January 18-20, 2013 February 1-3, 2013 March 1-3, 2013 April 5-7, 2013 May 3-5, 2013 June 7-9, 2013 Season of Self-Discovery By Fr. Gary Pennings The Scripture readings for last Sunday touched, of course, on pertinent Lenten themes: the covenant established with Noah after the flood (Gen. 9:8-15); how the flood prefigured baptism which saves you now (1 Pet. 3:18-22); and how Jesus, after His baptism by John, spent forty days in the desert among wild beasts and angels (Mk. 1:12-15). This season of preparation for the Easter mysteries places us squarely amidst the tensions of several spiritual juxtapositions: the Ark and the chaotic flood waters; the flesh and the spirit; the wild beasts and the ministering angels. As we journey through these forty days we, like those preparing for baptism, are invited to confront our demons, our self-absorption and our sins. Lent is our annual invitation to discover anew the truth about who we are: sinners who need prayer to reconnect more deeply with the Source of Life; sinners who need to fast, emptying ourselves of what obstructs us from receiving God s graces; and sinners who need to give alms so our gaze might be directed away from ourselves so as to recognize Christ in others. Yet at the same time, we are invited to reflect on what it means to be born anew--to reconsider once again the gift we have already received in the saving waters. Through the merits of Christ we have become adopted sons and daughters of the Most High God. The baptismal identity we already possess can so easily be taken for granted. This season calls us to reflect on who we are in God s eyes, and who we have become as a result of divine love revealed on the Cross. In many ways Lent could be seen as a season of self-discovery. We are sinners, yes, but redeemed sinners! We are at once called to repent and believe in the Gospel and at the same time to joyfully proclaim that Gospel in word and deed. The season invites us to dwell in the tension, in the juxtapositions, and to rediscover the marvelous truths of who we are, or rather, who we have become in Christ Jesus. Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord! Go in Peace, glorifying the Lord by your Life!

2 You Can t Die Yet, I m Not Through Loving You! By Deacon Daniel Peterson My younger brother Michael is a permanent deacon in the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. His diaconal duties include ministering as a chaplain to fire fighters and police officers. Sometimes he shares stories about how events involving deaths, accidents, crimes, or serious injuries in fires affect these public servants. Deacons must be dignified, not deceitful, not addicted to drink, not greedy for sordid gain, holding fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. Moreover, they should be tested first; then, if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. 1 Timothy 3:8-10 Recently he was called to a scene in which a young teenage girl was accidentally shot by a close a friend who was playing with a handgun. This was very hard on the police officers, EMT s, and others who were called to the scene. To witness such a bloodied, fragile little one of God's creatures barely clinging to life would challenge the most seasoned officer. The injured child was placed in an induced coma, and the outcome looked grim. In the process of caring for those in need of ministry, many experienced deacons have been drawn into such tragedies, and novice deacons can expect their own similar times of sadness and heartache. In this instance, however, the outcome looks promising. Prayers were comforting and healing. But as my deacon brother shared a little about this sad accident, and as he described his ministry to those in need, I thought of how the sacrifice of his time and energy has affected his own family and marriage. Diaconal ministry lived within the context of marriage and family is different from ministry exercised by one who has embraced a life of celibacy. When a deacon is called to such burdensome ministries of care, is he pulled away from family ministry, or do both ministries somehow come together in Christ? How the married life of a deacon folds into his diaconal call is answered in the journey of the sacramental life of Holy Mother Church, which is Our Lord s gift to us all. One sacrament does not diminish or conflict with the other. Some events are less dramatic but still have a significant impact. A few years ago, Deacon John Pistone, a friend of mine, wrote of an incident when an elderly man walked into an emergency room with his ill wife in his arms. He stopped and looked directly into her eyes and said, You can t die, I m not through loving you! Needless to say, the emergency room personnel were deeply moved by the situation and his words, and they felt helpless as she died in his arms. As I reflected on this story--like my deacon friend, who was moved to reflect on his relationship with his wife--i thought about my wife, Judy. In my heart I know that I m a long way from being through with loving her, but too often in my actions I fail to make her the priority. Like many of you, I attended two gatherings of deacon inquirers and ordained permanent deacons last month. One was an evening of prayer and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and the other was a gathering for Morning Prayer and formation. These were wonderful occasions. I was moved by the presence of the wives of deacons and the half dozen or so of the children of those attending.

3 The deacon s service in the Church s ministry of charity and justice is integral to his service in the Church s ministry of word and liturgy the ministry of the word leads to ministry at the altar, which in turn prompts the transformation of life by the liturgy, resulting in charity By ordination, the deacon, who sacramentalizes the Church s service, is to exercise the Church s diakonia. Therefore, the diaconal ministries are not to be separated; the deacon is ordained for them all, and no one should be ordained who is not prepared to undertake each in some way [However,] his service may be marked by one of them more than by others. - National Directory for the Formation, Ministry, and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States This brought me back to the article by Deacon John and how he highlights the important roles that the wife and family serve in the life of the married deacon. The article underscores the fact that the sacrament of marriage is strengthened by diaconate ordination, just as every sacrament brings one closer to the Lord and in no way weakens or diminishes the importance of any other sacrament. It is simply a matter of two sacraments bringing us closer to Jesus just as the sacrament of confirmation brings new gifts and graces to the sacraments of baptism, penance, and Holy Communion. Here are some of Deacon John s insights on this subject:... In marriage, love becomes an interpersonal giving of self, a mutual fidelity, a source of new life, a support in times of joy and sorrow: in short, love... becomes service. When lived in faith, this family service is for the rest of the faithful an example of the love of Christ. The married deacon must use it as a stimulus of his diakonia in the Church. Some wives prefer a supportive position behind the scenes; some have public ministries of their own; others develop a more visible partnership with the husbands, as couples in ministry. Whatever form of involvement is developed, support from a deacon's wife and children is essential and vital. Pope John Paul remind[ed] deacons that their service is made possible by the love and support and collaboration of their wives. If a husband s being ordained a deacon undermines and diminishes his own wife s apostolic activities and ministry, something very wrong is happening. The ultimate key to the unity and yet distinctiveness of marriage and [holy] orders is that both are calls to love. I don t have to go into details about the traps and obstacles which can drive a wedge between our marriage and ministry. Most of us who have been deacons awhile have experienced many of them. I find challenge and comfort in the fact that Jesus would not approve of any activities which would undermine one or both sacraments no matter how worthwhile we feel it might be. You may be saying, I don't have a problem. I urge you to ask your wife to give you honest feedback about the time you spend with her and your family. You might be surprised at her response. Sometimes we have a blind spot to the situation right in front of our face. Some of us at times may find ministry more affirming and exciting and enjoyable than dealing with the issues and challenges at home. The task is to balance ministry, marriage, and family Those of us who are ordained deacons join those discerning entry into diaconal formation in needing to reflect on how our married lives harmonize with our diaconal vocations. Wise is the man who prays on this holy union of these two vocations and incorporates them into his ongoing discernment. Deacon Peterson is the former director of the diaconate office in Phoenix, and now serves at Divine Mercy parish in Gardner, Kansas. PR

4 A Wife s Perspective By Melanie Schreck Who can find a woman of worth? Far beyond jewels is her value. Her husband trusts her judgment. She watches over the affairs of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband, too, praises her. Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting; the woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Proverbs 31:10-11; 27-28; 30 Your husband is inquiring into the diaconate and you are not sure how it will affect you and your family. I ve been in your shoes. I am the mother of four children, ages 9 to 16, and my husband Mike was ordained a permanent deacon last April. When my husband first started talking about the diaconate, I wasn t sure what to expect. We had been around deacons when we lived in Arkansas, so I was a little familiar with them. At our former parish, the deacon ran the RCIA. His wife had made the comment that the church got two for the price of one. I am an introvert, and the thought of having to stand out in a ministerial role alongside my husband made me feel uncomfortable. One of the first questions I had was, What is expected of the wife? As a deacon's wife, you are expected to support your husband. Beyond that, a wife s level of involvement in her husband s ministry will vary greatly from person to person. Some wives may actively work with their husband. Others, especially those with young children like me, will likely support their husband in a less visible way. Your and his first vocation is marriage, and that must come first. This is emphasized throughout the training. The inquiry and aspirancy phases of the diaconate program are times of discernment for both the husband and the wife. If your husband becomes a deacon, it will have a major impact on you and your family. Questions that might be going through your mind may include: How much time will this take? How will I fit in? What are my expectations regarding the formation program? Do I want to participate in my husband s formation? What about his ministry? What does obedience mean? Am I willing to share my husband with the Church? How will this affect my children? Can I say no if my husband feels called, but I have concerns? As we continued on our journey, I gradually had my questions answered. The answers to your questions will vary according to your family and its needs. To help with discernment, it is important to develop prayer time together and to schedule time for each other and family. Remember, you and your family are also discerning your husband s potential call to the diaconate. You should speak frequently and honestly with your husband about your concerns, especially those you may have regarding his ability to meet your needs and those of your children. It is also important to encourage your children to honestly share their thoughts and concerns. My husband s formation and ministry have been positive experiences for us, but there were and are many challenges. We had younger children when we started this process, ranging in age from 3 to 10. I went to as many classes as I could and wish I had gone to more, especially the spiritual formation. Childcare was an issue, but we did work that out. Time will always be an issue, but your husband s ability to balance his family, work, church, and other responsibilities during the formation program will provide you with tools to balance his responsibilities following ordination.

5 Remember that as you and your husband continue your discernment, you are not discerning your will, or even your husband s will, but ultimately what is God s will. Policies on Age and Divorce From the Office of the Permanent Diaconate Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas THE SPIRIT DROVE JESUS OUT INTO THE DESERT, AND HE REMAINED IN THE DESERT FOR FORTY DAYS, TEMPTED BY SATAN. HE WAS AMONG WILD BEASTS, AND THE ANGELS MINISTERED TO HIM. AFTER JOHN HAD BEEN ARRESTED, JESUS CAME TO GALILEE PROCLAIMING THE GOSPEL OF GOD: THIS IS THE TIME OF FULFILLMENT. THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS AT HAND. REPENT, AND BELIEVE IN THE GOSPEL. MARK 1:12-15 Have you not read that from the beginning the creator made them male and female and said, for this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, no human being must separate. Matthew 19:4-6 Age for Ordination The National Directory for the Formation, Ministry, and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States ( ND ) provides: In accord with Canon Law, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops establishes the minimum age for ordination to the permanent diaconate at thirty-five for all candidates, married or celibate. The establishment of a maximum age for ordination is at the discretion of the diocesan bishop, keeping in mind the particular needs and expectations of the diocese regarding diaconal ministry and life (no. 87). Since the minimum age for ordination to the permanent diaconate is 35, a candidate for our five-year formation program must be at least 30 years of age when aspirancy begins. Pursuant to ND 87 and the Code of Canon Law, United States dioceses have adopted various maximum ages for their deacon candidates. The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas has chosen not to impose a specific maximum age, but will assess older applicants on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the following factors pertaining to age: (1) The applicant s age at the time aspirancy would begin; candidates under the age of 62 are preferred; (2) The applicant s health, specifically as it relates to the ability to complete the formation process and ultimately minister as a deacon; (3) Any pre-determined expectation on the applicant s part as to how long, health permitting, he intends to serve in active ministry; (4) Projected cost-benefit ratio taking into consideration the potential years of service based on applicant s overall fitness for service and the costs to the Archdiocese for the formation of a deacon candidate. Divorced Applicants The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas desires to give a clear, unequivocal witness to the goodness and indissolubility of marriage, and it recognizes the potential confusion that may arise when its ordained ministers have had recourse to civil divorce. Accordingly, for married applicants to the diaconate program, those who have been married only once and who, if their first spouse is still alive, continue in a healthy and holy union, are the preferred applicants. Applicants who have been divorced will only be considered on a case-bycase basis, pursuant to the provisions of this policy, recognizing the Archbishop s sole discretion regarding the suitability of such applicants.

6 If divorced and not remarried, the applicant must be willing and able to embrace a commitment to celibacy, assuming he has obtained a declaration of nullity or a canonical dissolution of the prior marriage. If he has not obtained a declaration of nullity or canonical dissolution, the applicant may reconcile with his estranged wife, but Church discipline would prohibit another attempted marital union. The applications of men who are divorced and remarried will be assessed based on the following criteria: The circumstances surrounding the divorce; The likelihood of scandal to the faithful if the applicant is ordained, including the response of the former spouse and any adult children from such prior union; The length and stability of the current sacramental marriage; and The applicant s present reputation and witness in word and action with regard to Catholic teaching on marriage and family life. Profiles in Service Name: Deacon Chris Seago Age: 53 Wife: Julia Social Worker, Kansas Dept. of Health & Environment Children: Erica (27) and Marissa (19) Assignment: Mater Dei, Topeka, Kansas Job: Social & Rehabilitation Services Worker, in Mental Health Hobbies/Interests: Astronomy/Exploring the Universe Interesting Fact: Traveled to the top of Manu kea (14,000 ft.) on the Island of Hawaii