Category Archives: Deacons

Early Morning Diaconal Thoughts

Posted on March 11, 2010 by Deacon Bob

I am up extra early this morning. I will be leaving for the office in about 15 minutes, having been up  since 4 AM.  I strikes me that Lent is about half over now. I wonder if the world has … Continue reading →

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The Case for Humility

Posted on February 20, 2010 by Deacon Bob

Great reading from St. Irenaeus in the Office today. He makes the case for humility. An excerpt, my English translation: “He commands us to follow him, not because he has need of our service, but to give us salvation. To … Continue reading →

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The Diaconal Voice of Christ

Posted on February 10, 2010 by Deacon Bob

I ran across a beautiful paragraph  in reading a talk given by Archbishop Roberto O. Gonzalez Nieves, OFM, Archbishop of San Juan de Puerto Rico backon February 19, 2000 on the identity, functions and prospects for the permanent diaconate.  Here … Continue reading →

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For the Love of Stephen!

Posted on December 26, 2009 by Deacon Bob

Being a deacon blogger, I can’t help but post on St. Stephen, whose feast we celebrate today. As you know, he is the Protomartyr that is, the first martyr of the Church.  He was also among the first deacons of … Continue reading →

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The Deacon as “Confessor”

Posted on December 19, 2009 by Deacon Bob

Nearly ten years ago, the Church celebrated the Jubilee Year of Deacons. I liken it to this year’s Year of the Priest. I was reading a homily of Cardinal J. Francis Stafford, then President of the Pontifical Council for the … Continue reading →

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Motu Proprio “Omnium in Mentem” of Benedict XVI

Posted on December 16, 2009 by Deacon Bob

I read yesterday the Pope’s Moto Proprio entitled Omnium in Mentem. I meant to write a post on it yesterday, but got caught up in the busyness of the day here at the office as well as in the parish in … Continue reading →

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The Trinitarian Dimension of Diaconal Spirituality

Posted on December 13, 2009 by Deacon Bob

Much is written about diaconal kenosis, that is, radical self-emptying, self-donation for the sake of the other in the manner of Jesus who emptied himself of all trappings of his divinity in taking on our flesh for our salvation. This kenotic … Continue reading →

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The Core Spirituality of the Diaconate

Posted on December 10, 2009 by Deacon Bob

Being a relatively new deacon, I have been pondering how to describe in a concise manner the spirituality of the diaconate, its relationship to marital spirituality for us married deacons, and its common elements with our brother clergy the priests … Continue reading →

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Compassion over Judgment

Posted on December 6, 2009 by Deacon Bob

The Catholic New Service (see link below right) is reporting Capuchin Father Raniero Cantalamessa, the preacher of the papal household, spoke of the call priests have to be bearers of compassion, not judgment, to the people. He said, “Do not … Continue reading →

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To Be a Modern Incarnation of God

Posted on November 17, 2009 by Deacon Bob

All you who read the Deacon Digest may have read Deacon Harold Jopp’s article in the November-December  edition. He states the challenge for deacons is to become “the modern Incarnation of God.” We are to incarnate our spirituality in the realities … Continue reading →

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Quote for the Day

Posted on October 21, 2009 by Deacon Bob

“Let all here, great and small, be assured of our readiness to serve them according to the Spirit of the Lord.” — Pope John Paul I, 3 Sept 78. This quote is taken from Papa Luciani’s homily at his installation.  I was there, … Continue reading →

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A Deacon’s Story

Posted on July 10, 2009 by Deacon Bob

Thanks to Deacon Greg Kandra, (see my link to his blog below) I ran across this great article about a New York deacon and his work as a chaplain in a state prison.  www.pressrepublican.com/0100_news/local_story_190232750.html I am aware of this prison, … Continue reading →

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Papa Luciani, the Poor and Rome

Posted on June 26, 2009 by Deacon Bob

Pope John Paul I took possession of the Chair of the Bishop of Rome on September 23, 1978.  In his homily he spoke of the poor, his mother, his parish priest and the Christian community. Here is an excerpt of … Continue reading →

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National Catholic Partnership on Disability

Posted on June 20, 2009 by Deacon Bob

Going to daily Mass can be a different experience than the Sunday liturgy. Subtle nods, smiles, hand gestures, and other greetings cross the spaces that may physically separate us at 6:30 AM.  Even in the midst of perhaps forty people … Continue reading →

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Borders in Diaconal Ministry

Posted on June 12, 2009 by Deacon Bob

I am borrowing a term from a Deacon Dave Plevak of my home diocese when I say “borders”.  He gave an excellent talk to us several months ago about protecting yourself from burnout in ministry by establishing good borders.   … Continue reading →

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