First meeting for new deacons class held

What is the role of a deacon? More than 40 men, their spouses and family members gathered for an informational meeting Oct. 19 at the diocesan pastoral center to learn the answer to this question and many more about the qualifications, ministries and roles they would fulfill if they choose and are chosen to be a member of the fifth diaconate class of the diocese.

Deacons Don Deitz, Ron Karcher and Charlie Speaks, members of the diaconate formation committee, spoke of the three diaconal gifts of ministry — the ministry of the word, the liturgy and charity — and pointed out what a deacon is and is not.

“A deacon is not a mini priest and we are not overgrown altar boys,” Deacon Karcher said. “The role of a deacon is not a job — it’s a vocation; a calling.”

To read the rest of the story, please see The Messenger newspaper.