Category Archives: Deacons

New Challenges and Wonderful Opportunities and a Deacon’s Reflection

Posted on September 8, 2012 by Deacon Bob

My life took another unexpected turn this week with the request from my bishop that I become the Assistant Director of the Diaconate for the diocese. I accepted and have now added this to the list of other responsibilities I … Continue reading →

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Recovery Reflections

Posted on August 23, 2012 by Deacon Bob

When a forced shut down is accepted, it leaves me with a certain uneasiness. I dislike, rather intensely, inaction. Time spent without evidence of fruitfulness is time of questionable value for me, even though I know full well that wasted … Continue reading →

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Happy Anniversary, Diaconate Class of 2009!

Posted on August 22, 2012 by Deacon Bob

Today, the memorial of the Queenship of Mary is the third anniversary of ordination for the diaconate class of 2009 for the Diocese of Winona. To my brothers, David B., David D., Vern, Chris O., Chris W., Preston, Joe, John, … Continue reading →

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Diaconal Spirituality and Marriage

Posted on June 28, 2012 by Deacon Bob

Diaconal spirituality is one of dynamic tension between irrevocable change of Holy Orders and the graces of marriage. Theologically, we speak of the indelible mark that cannot be erased on the very being of a man who receives Holy Orders. We deacons are … Continue reading →

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Happy Feast Day, Deacons throughout the World!

Posted on June 9, 2012 by Deacon Bob

Today is the memorial of St. Ephrem, deacon and Doctor of the Church. (Yes, friends, there is numbered among the doctors of the Church a deacon.) Someone to whom the title of “Doctor” is given is someone who is acknowledged … Continue reading →

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Benedict XVI on the Diaconia of Communion

Posted on May 18, 2012 by Deacon Bob

The Holy Father spoke today to the last group of American bishops making their ad limina visits. This particular group included all the Eastern Rite bishops of the United States. The Holy Father’s theme was largely that of Church unity, … Continue reading →

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Benedict XVI on Diaconal Ministry – UPDATED!

Posted on April 27, 2012 by Deacon Bob

It hasn’t really gotten widespread attention in the media, but the Holy Father in his general audience two days ago spoke on diaconal ministry. The catechesis is not available in an official English translation yet, so I have translated excerpts … Continue reading →

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Congratulations Newly Ordained Deacons!

Posted on April 15, 2012 by Deacon Bob

The diocese of New Ulm, Minnesota ordained its first class of deacons yesterday. Eleven men promised respect and obedience to their bishop, John LeVoir and to his successors, and after laying on of hands by the bishop and the consecratory … Continue reading →

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Alleluia! The Lord is Risen! The Tomb is Verily Empty!

Posted on April 8, 2012 by Deacon Bob

Happy Easter, everyone! The alleluias are being sung. Children are searching for their Easter baskets. The fasting is over and now is the time to rejoice and be glad for the Lord Jesus is truly risen! Thanks be to God. … Continue reading →

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Permanent Deacons Continue to Increase

Posted on March 10, 2012 by Deacon Bob

The 2011 annual Church statistics were presented to the Holy Father today. Of note is the continued increase of deacons, especially in  North America and Europe. By the end of 2010, there were 39,564 permanent deacons in the world (up … Continue reading →

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Calling all Deacons! – The Authority of Service

Posted on January 29, 2012 by Deacon Bob

The Holy Father’s Angelus message centers around today’s passage from the Gospel of Mark in which a man with an unclean spirit is cleansed by Jesus. Benedict XVI made a remarkable comment on the nature of authority. We all have … Continue reading →

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The Deacon as “Confessor”

Posted on January 18, 2012 by Deacon Bob

Back on February 19, 2000, J. Francis Cardinal Stafford, then President of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, spoke on the “Ideal Family of the Permanent Deacon.” He said a lot  but I would like to underscore one small piece. … Continue reading →

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Happy Feast Day, Deacons of the World!

Posted on December 26, 2011 by Deacon Bob

Today is the feast of St. Stephen, called the protomartyr as he was the first martyr of the Church. He was stoned to death for preaching the Gospel, not long after Christ’s death. He was also one of the first … Continue reading →

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Not Doing Enough, Deacons? Or Too Much?

Posted on December 19, 2011 by Deacon Bob

I have been ordained now for over two years. Occasionally, I will hear a deacon say, “I don’t think I am doing enough!” (making reference to what he perceives his ministry to be in the parish or diocese). Perhaps more … Continue reading →

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More Information on the Diaconate in the United States

Posted on December 15, 2011 by Deacon Bob

Here are some more interesting facts about the permanent diaconate in the United States, according to the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate(CARA) in their 2009/2010 report: 92% of permanent deacons in active ministry are married, 4% are widowed … Continue reading →

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