ARCHDIOCESE OF ATLANTA PERMANENT DIACONATE Beacon Published quarterly 2401 Lake Park Drive Smyrna, GA 30080 404-920-7325 F 404.920.7326 Spring 2017 Inside this issue: Formation Forum 2 Family Promise 3 Run with the Monks Deacon Council Minutes 4 5 Pray for Us 6 Reading links 8 Starve Wars II 9 My Dear Brothers, Happy Eastertide! What an amazing time of year both in and outside our Churches. Everything is in bloom as we can all attest to by the increased sales of allergy medicine! More significant, however, is the blossoming of over 2000 new members who joined into full communion with the Catholic Church here in the Archdiocese on Holy Saturday. I was blessed to participate in the Sacred Triduum at Saint Luke in Dahlonega this year where eight new members joined including an infant! Regardless of the size of the incoming cohort the liturgy for the Easter Vigil always inspires me. The beauty of the readings, the joy in the music, and the amazing life that is so evident in the celebration. May God continue to bless our newly welcomed Catholics and may we as deacons be in the front of the line doing the welcoming! Before we know it summer will be upon us. I pray that all of you are blessed with some time of rest and real quality family time. All around us are reminders of the fact that life goes by very quickly. We need to stop and smell the roses as they say. I can only imagine that our own Deacon Norm Keller and his bride Barbara are doing that while thanking God for Friday Night Fish Fries and Stations at St. Joseph. As I am sure you all know, they were not home when a plane crashed into their home last month. By the Grace of God they were at Church and though they lost their earthly possessions they were able to see another day. When I spoke with Norm the morning after his first words were to ask that we pray for the pilot who perished in the accident. Putting others first and thanking God for the gift of our lives each day is a big part of our vocation. May each of you continue to be blessed in this ministry we have all been called to. I hope to see many of you at our Mass of Recommitment and Convocation next week. Many of our deacons are celebrating 30 year anniversaries! What a wonderful witness this is. 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
Page 2 Formation Forum Penny Simmons We have moved... Co-Director of Diaconate Formation Office of the Permanent Diaconate Archdiocese of Atlanta For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 The St. Stephen Center for Diaconal Formation has moved to the campus of St. Paul of the Cross, 551 Harwell Road, Atlanta, GA. We are so grateful to have been able to hold classes at Most Blessed Sacrament for almost twenty years. Deacon José estimates that over 180 of the ordained deacons in the Archdiocese of Atlanta studied at this Center. The Center at St. Paul of the Cross allows us to accommodate more folks in each class, as our numbers in Diaconate Formation are growing, and we urge wives to attend classes with their husbands. We now have five classrooms, a Training Room, Library, Teachers, Lounge, Cafeteria area, Reception area and Offices all on the same floor. Many of the wives and men in formation packed up the old center for us. We really thank them for their good work. Moving day went well. In fact, what we thought would take two days took only about five hours. Now, the supply room took a while to unpack. There are still many books to unpack in the Library. However, the thousands of books in our Library will now be categorized and clearly on shelves for anyone who wants to use them. St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church also benefits as they can now use the classrooms for their Faith Formation classes. In fact, you will see a sign by the door of each room indicating the Formation Class of 2018 for the room and underneath this, a sign indicating Third Grade. Our formation day begins at 7:40 am with Morning Prayer in the Church and Mass at 8:00 am. We welcome those who would like to join us for Morning Prayer and/or Mass and then visit the new center. When you enter the driveway at St. Paul of the Cross, keep to the left all the way around to the back of the campus. Parking is on a gravel area. You may want to come and hear the great music our music ministers provide they will be the choir at the Opening Mass of the Eucharistic Congress. Also, anyone who would like to join the Diaconate Formation Music Ministers to sing or play an instrument at the Opening Mass of the Eucharistic Congress would be most welcome to join us. You can send an email to me at psimmons@archatl.com and I will be most happy to pass it on to Jim Wolf (Class of 2018), who is heading up this group. We have two more Diaconate Formation Days before our Summer Break. Please keep all who are involved in Diaconate Formation in your prayers. Peace, Penny
DIACONATE Moving Day Page 3
Page 4 Beacon Saturday June 10, 2017, 8:30AM Run with the Monks We added an 8-miler to celebrate our 8 th anniversary of this event Early Registration fees: (8 Mi - $30.00), (5K - $25.00), (1.5 Mi - $20.00) Register before, May 25th to avoid the price increase! Check out the Monastery web page on this event for: overview of the trail, print flyers, mail-in registration form, suggested training for 8- miler (not for beginners), and much more... Spend the morning running a great trail race and taking in some of the natural contemplative landscape. Not a runner? Register anyway and come enjoy a leisurely walk with this monk (bum knees) in the peaceful woodland haven of the monk's treasured green space. This is a cross country trail run on open-air courses over natural dirt or grass terrain. The proceeds after expenses go to support the Haiti Humanitarian Fund outreach ministry who is offering "Free pancakes for all participants." REGISTER ONLINE HERE Print Mail-In Registration Form PRINT FLYER Go to the monastery website for more information. Get more information
DIACONATE Page 5 Deacon Council Minutes April 19, 2017 Attendees: Deacon Carigan, Deacon Chambliss, Deacon Eustace, Deacon Fraser, Deacon Gant, Deacon Sholander, Deacon Walter Standing Committee Reports: Deacon s Wives programs Deacon Walter Wives Day of Reflection Contacted the Cenacle Sisters of Georgia, to host another Day of Reflection. Possibly at a State of Georgia Lodge where we probably could get a special rate. Pastoral Crisis Intervention SWAT Team - Deacon Carignan Spoke to Deacon Dorner about briefing the priests at each Deanery meeting before the next Priest Convocation where he would make a presentation. Deacon Carigan has presented Archbishop Gregory with the program overview, has submitted a 2017 budget, and is researching both new and refresher training costs and schedules. Deacon Chambliss suggested the Airport Deacons take the training if funds can be secured. Bereavement Committee - Deacon Egan No Report Outreach programs Open No Report Prison Ministry Deacon Fraser Joe Eustace shared that Paulist Press will provide free bibles, and prayer books, prison based newsletter etc. http://www.pemdc.org/freeresources/prison-ministry/ Retreats Committee Deacon Walter no report Social Committee Open no report Social Justice Deacon Toca, Deacon Chambliss Deacon Chambliss shared some information about Embrace ministry, for families who had a miscarriage or still birth, is now called All Embrace and ministries are being formed in the parishes. http://allembrace.com/ Also about PATH ministry, for women (and men) who have had an abortion. http://www.healingafterabortion.org/ Deacon Gant shared information about The Drake House of North Fulton County, for homeless single mothers and their children. http://thedrakehouse.org/ Veterans Support Open - no report Other Business Deacon Beacon Editor, Deacon Mark Sholander, O:678-466-1708, msholander@holytrinityptc.com, joined us to discuss submitting a human interest story. He will edit as needed.no longer than 2 pages. The next Beacon will be published on May 1. If you have a story that you would like published, please submit by 5:00 PM EDT, April 29th, 2017. Check with him for the next issue deadline. Deacon Schueth is seeking a replacement from his classmates due to schedule conflicts from work and Church. Chairman Challenge: Each Committee plan at least 1 major activity and write a Beacon human interest story each year.
Page 6 Beacon PRAY FOR US Deacon Norm and Barbara Keller, whose home was destroyed in a fire Vickie Pugh, sister of Deacon Scott Parker Mary Mead, wife of Deacon Stuart Mead Deacon Scott Sparks Kayleigh, niece of Deacon Paul Schueth FOR THOSE THAT HAVE DIED Mary Lynn Walker, mother of Deacon Scott Parker 4-8-2017 Genevieve Tramonte, mother of Deacon Jim Tramonte 4-2-2017 Ann Lampe, wife of Deacon Martin Lampe 3-27-2017 Loretta Tracy, mother of Deacon Kevin Tracy 3-19-2017 Deacon Bert C. Berding, Ret. 3-7-2017 Terry Holmer, Sr., father of the late Deacon Terry Holmer 3-13-2017 Deacon Joe Carter 2-13-2017 Deacon Stephen J. Bek 05-03-2017
DIACONATE Page 7 5-Day Silent MBSR Retreat The MCA is excited to announce our latest offering: A 5-Day Silent Mindfulness Retreat. The Retreat includes meditation instruction, short talks by teacher(s), guided sessions of mindfulness meditation practice, movement exercises, mindful eating, individual conferences with retreat facilitator(s) and restful silence. Prior experience with a personal meditation practice is recommended. If you are new to mindfulness practice or would prefer an introductory program, you may consider a weekend retreat or 8-week course. Date: June 11-16, 2017 Investment: 1,275.00 Location: Ignatius House Retreat Center 6700 Riverside Drive, NW Atlanta, Georgia 30328 REGISTER For more info: www.mindfulnesscenteratlanta.com Each year we are pleased to do a Seminarian Cook Out on July 20, 2017 for the men who are in Seminary from the Archdiocese of Atlanta. We provide for a great dinner steak and chicken this year as well as two golf shirts for each seminarian. While the men in Diaconate Formation provide labor and some of the side dishes, and plates, etc. along with Deacon Bill Hampton who does the grilling for the Dinner, we depend on the donations of our Deacons to provide the funds to purchase steaks and chicken and the golf shirts for the seminarians. Donations to cover the costs should be made to the Archdiocese of Atlanta, with a memo note Seminarian Cook Out, and sent to the Chancery, attention Kath Owens. Please complete the attached survey, no later than June 30, 2017, to let us know if you and your wife will be attending the Seminarian. The evening starts with Mass in Grand Hall A at the Chancery at 5:30 pm, with dinner immediately following in Grand Halls B and C. Survey: 2017 Seminarian Cook Out
Page 8 Beacon For your reading Here is an article on Catholic conferences: http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/the-churchs-voice-at-the-capitol From Deacon Steve Swope: http://www.deacondigest.com/home/widows-of-deacons-an-opportunity-for-diaconal-service From our Archbishop Gregory: http://www.deacondigest.com/home/a-message-for-deacons-ministers-of-tenderness
DIACONATE Page 9 Starve Wars Episode II Starve Wars Episode II Meal Packing Event affords Catholics in the Archdiocese the opportunity to fulfill the call from our Pastoral Plan to LIVE OUR FAITH. The Archdiocese of Atlanta s Justice and Peace Ministries together with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Helping Hands meal packing program will once again offer a unique opportunity to help the Catholic faithful from across Georgia and the Southeast put their faith into action through a Eucharistic event that draws on the teaching of the Catechism of the Catholic Church in the grand hall at GICC on Friday June 16, 2017 Last year s event was enormously successful and was one of the biggest stories to come out of the weekend, covered by local, state and national news organizations. As such, we are delighted to announce that the Starve Wars meal packing event will be incorporated again this year. However, as with any large event, funding is paramount to assure a successful event. In order to at least match last year s goal of 100,000 meals we must raise a minimum of $50,000. We are blessed that CRS major donors have committed $25,000 towards our event. The other $25,000 we are praying, will come from the people of our parishes. In early April, Archbishop Gregory sent a letter to all our pastors asking them to partner with the Office of Justice and Peace in order to contribute $1,000 from each parish and encourage volunteers. There are other ways that your parish can also help. Participate as individuals, families and ministries in the actual meal packing. Be part of the many families feeding families who are committed to being the hands and feet of Christ. (Separate information on team participation will follow.) Pray! Pray for the success of the event, but more importantly that Catholics become more mindful of the needs of the poor and vulnerable and have the courage to act on their behalf. In order to plan for meeting the financial goals, Justice and Peace Ministries would welcome the opportunity to speak with you at your earliest convenience. Kathy Montag, who is our Justice and Peace Ministries Capacity Building Specialist for Catholic Relief Services, would be your contact person. She is available by phone at 404-920-7368 or e-mail kmontag@archatl.com. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about this amazing event. We encourage, welcome and pray for the opportunity to work together on this endeavor to be the Body of Christ serving the needs of our most poor and vulnerable, setting the example through our actions.
Beacon Page 10 Family Promise Ministry Is Having an Impact After months of being prodded, contemplating and praying about Family Promise ministry, I gave this homily and 20 people responded that day. From there our ministry has been taking shape as we have been learning how we can help these needy families as a Support Church and making plans to do more. That s what the readings were about today. We need to serve God, not mammon, in the very small matters of our lives every day, passionately and cleverly as His children of light. God loves us so much that he gives us the capabilities, the resources and the freedom to respond to the world around us. You know, I think am starting to grasp why so many of our ministries here at St. Brendan s serve the poor. And why it is so important for every one of us to volunteer and serve for the welfare of others, and not just our own. Today at the Festival you will be able to meet our ministries, but let me share one more thing in closing. In 2015 Forsyth County Schools served almost 700 students who were homeless! When I first heard that I was stunned. Pope Francis words from The Joy of the Gospel struck home: In this context, we can understand Jesus' command to his disciples: "You yourselves give them something to eat!" (Mk 6:37): it means working doing the small daily acts of solidarity in meeting the real needs which we encounter. So what is being done? What could we do to address this situation? 2 years ago a group called Family Promise was formed in Forsyth County knowing that families should stay together not be separated during the most difficult times in their lives. They are among 240 Family Promise affiliates across America, and a dozen or so across Georgia. This year 12 Forsyth churches who are Hosts, including Good Shepherd Catholic Church, and 6 Support congregations have launched the program. We are forming a group at St Brendan s to see if we want to become a Support Church. today if you are interested in joining us From the start, we have recognized what a great organization Family Promise was with capable leadership, a proven program, and thorough training. We also have had a practical approach asking the many people we met in Family Promise and Host Churches, What do you need? This allowed us to begin to serve while we were getting our bearings. And as we learned, we also became aware of how this journey has already begun to impact us. As one of our new friends put it, helping the families get back on their feet is so worthwhile, but one benefit we hadn t thought of is that the churches of Forsyth County are going to get to know each other. This I agree has been a unique opportunity to share our faith as we serve each other that we had not anticipated. This I agree has been a unique opportunity to share our faith as we serve each other that we had not anticipated Brother Deacons, I highly recommend you investigate the homeless student situation in your county. The school district counselors will know the status, and I am sure it will stun you as well. Consider joining your local Family Promise organization, or help form one in your county. Check out www.familypromise.org, or contact me to discuss possibilities rfraser46@gmail.com, 404-432-1386).