Two decades have passed since six of us were ordained deacons at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Syracuse on May 6, 2006.
See me less gray and thinner on the left in the photo? That’s Joe in front of me. He used to ride with me to classes. He died 5 years ago. I preached at his Vigil Service in the midst of COVID.
Next to him is Gil. We’re still in touch. He ran the Deacon Store online for many years. On his left is Chris, still an active deacon. Behind him is Adolph. All three join for prayer each Tuesday morning in the Utica area. And there’s Greg, behind me. Serving in South Carolina now. Chatted for close to an hour a couple weeks ago.
The picture also shows Bishop Moynihan who ordained us. And Bishop Costello, his auxiliary. Father Lou Aiello is there too. We were his first class.
And Deacon Les Distin at the top. As the chief deacon, he welcomed and supported me in the program. I visited him at home a couple days before he died, and received his blessing. Was asked to preach at his Vigil Service a few days later.
As ministers of Word, deacons proclaim the Gospel, preach, and teach in the name of the Church. As ministers of Sacrament, deacons baptize, lead the faithful in prayer, witness marriages, and conduct wake and funeral services. And as ministers of Charity, deacons are leaders in identifying the needs of others, then marshaling the Church’s resources to meet those needs.
I hesitate to mention all I’ve done as a deacon. Actually because I can’t remember it all. Or all the places I’ve helped out. It began with a flood. Asked to rebuild my parish church’s basement a month after ordination, while also providing to neighbors who were affected by the disaster.
I’m humbled by what I’ve done over the years. My spiritual director reminds me of my gift for being there for people one-on-one. What’s next?
Peace, Deacon Tom
“They presented these men to the apostles who prayed and laid hands on them. The word of God continued to spread…” Acts 6
We have wheelchair accessible entrances to the church, social hall, and education center, and reserved pews, as well as fully accessible restrooms.
We are