A reader sent this along late Sunday: a fresh dollop of deacons (21 of ’em) in Seattle, ordained just before Thanksgiving.

Is that something to be thankful for, or what?

Here’s more:

Some are converts. Others are “cradle Catholics.” Their occupations range from retired military to restaurant owner, from school principal, airline pilot and salesman to prosecuting attorney, retreat house director and postal worker.

What the 21 men ordained to the permanent diaconate earlier this month by Archbishop Alex J. Brunett have in common is a passion to be of service to the church.

They were ordained Nov. 17 in St. James Cathedral. Some 65 priests, 50 deacons, families, friends and parishioners from Vancouver to the Skagit Valley almost filled the cathedral for the ordination of the archdiocese’s sixth class of permanent deacons.

The word “deacon” stems from the Greek word for service, “diakonia.” The deacon is called to service of the word, liturgy and works of charity. He assists the priest at Eucharist, and may administer the sacrament of baptism, officiate at marriages and lead the faithful in burial services and other prayers of the church.

But his distinctive role is to be “an effective sign of the church’s service through direct works of charity and justice.”

Candidates undergo three years of training in spiritual, pastoral and academic formation, and in most cases their spouses accompany them throughout the process. All 21 members of this year’s class are married and represent a diversity of cultural backgrounds. They will receive their assignments shortly.

The very good link to the Archdiocese of Seattle includes biographies and pictures of the new deacons and their wives.

God bless ’em. And welcome!