An archdiocese with nearly 400 deacons (!) hosted an annual convocation for them recently.

The scoop, from the Catholic Herald:

Urged to continue being active in home parishes and in ministries supported by the archdiocese, more than 300 deacons and their wives gathered for the annual Deacon Convocation at St. Mary’s Seminary, Aug. 8.

The guest speaker at the convocation was John L. Allen Jr., a Catholic journalist known for his correspondence work with National Catholic Reporter and as a Vatican analyst for CNN and NPR. The columnist and reporter spoke about “Megatrends in Catholicism: Ten Forces Turning the Church Upside Down” and its effects on the deaconate.

There are currently 386 total deacons in the archdiocese, with 257 of them active, according to Deacon Gerald DuPont, the Permanent Diaconate Department director.

With the role of the deacon increasing in parishes as well as in other Church ministries, Deacon DuPont said the annual convocation allows the diaconate to assess their current status and plan for the future.

“We have been working very hard in giving deacons a clear sense of identity, of whom they are and where they sit in their relationship with their ordinary, and their pastor and priest,” Deacon DuPont stated. “The number of hours that they have been putting in yearly has been going steadily up, and a larger number of deacons are getting into hospital and correctional ministry. They are also working with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Catholic Charities, places that aren’t connected with their parish. So the average deacon puts in 10 hours a month in special ministry outside of his parish,” he added.

With their increased role in the Church, Deacon DuPont also stressed the importance of continuing education for deacons. “I’m sure a lot of priests and pastors have a different respect for the diaconate because of the changes in formation,” he noted.

Msgr. George Sheltz, the director of the Secretariat of Clergy Formation and Chaplaincy Services, shared that perspective when he spoke to the deacons during an afternoon address. “You play a very important role in what will be happening in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston,” he said. “I have seen the (diaconate program) become one that has a great deal of responsibility. Without your help, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”

Citing their roles as seafarer chaplains and in other ministries, he added, “We all have to take a greater responsibility to the people of God, who have been entrusted to us. We are very optimistic about the future.”

Cardinal DiNardo told the deacons that they are “irreplaceable” in parishes, pastoral care and leadership. “A well-educated and attentive permanent deacon is a real boon to the parish, a real gift,” he said, adding that their participation in RCIA and

marriage preparation is among their many noteworthy contributions.

“Thank you very much for your ministry and service, your dedication to the Lord. Bless you and keep your enthusiasm,” he said.

Check out more at the link.

PHOTO: Daniel Cardinal DiNardo presents pins to deacons celebrating their 25th anniversary during the Deacon Convocation at St. Mary’s Seminary, Aug. 8. Photo by Jonah Dycus/Herald