Been praying and reflecting quite a bit these past few days on becoming a deacon exactly 19-years ago. I joined with five classmates that Saturday at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Syracuse for ordination.
I was featured in a Press &Sun-Bulletin article printed that morning. The reporter asked me: “Why did you decide to be a deacon?” I told him people don’t decide to become deacons, they answer the call. He ended the piece with my words: “It’s a wonderful feeling. There’s no way to describe how excited I am.”
I’m still excited to be a deacon. I’ve had many challenges and opportunities in nearly two decades. I try my best to answer the call of Word, Sacrament and Charity. Don’t know what comes next…
Our daily readings to start this week include the Acts of the Apostles, featuring the seven original deacons. One of those, Stephen, preached on the Hebrew scriptures and Jesus when called before the Sanhedrin. It didn’t go well. They stoned him. Stephen the deacon is the first Christian martyr. Also present there with the mob was Saul. We know him better as St. Paul—after his conversion.
“Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” Acts 7:56
St. Stephen, please pray for us!
Peace,
Deacon Tom
We have wheelchair accessible entrances to the church, social hall, and education center, and reserved pews, as well as fully accessible restrooms.
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