Deacons recommit lives to Christ
By Chris Donahue
Staff Writer
Humility and selflessness are qualities that deacons, and all members of the clergy, need to practice in order to remain effective in spreading the Gospel, Bishop Paul G. Bootkoski said at the annual Recommitment to the Diaconate Mass in St. John Neumann Pastoral Center chapel, Piscataway, Oct. 29.
Bishop Bootkoski, principal celebrant and homilist, said that priests, deacons and bishops must be “genuine in our ministry,” referring to the Gospel reading, Matthew 23:1-12, in which Jesus told his Apostles to avoid following the example of the scribes and Pharisees.
Citing one of his favorite authors, theologian and teacher Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser, Bishop Bootkoski said that the clergy should not worry about what others think about them, lest they lose sight of the message they are called to deliver.
The clergy must also not be timid in ministries that might not be as rewarding as others, he said. Using the example of a Pre-Cana class, the bishop said that the class might be dynamic and “there’s electricity between you as minister and the couple, as well as in other ministries.”
According to Father Rolheiser, the bishop said, “There are times when you’re doing what the Lord is calling you to do and you accept each and every person in your ministry. Maybe it’s not a joy or fulfilling or interesting, yet you touch the lives of those people. That is the image of Jesus Christ.”
There are about 120 active deacons in the diocese and 24 men will be ordained in 2007.
Deacon David A. DeFrange, diocesan director, Office of the Diaconate, told The Catholic Spirit that 52 applications for the Class of 2010 were received.
“We have two levels of review. The first is to be completed in early December,” Deacon DeFrange said. “The second — psychological evaluations — need to be completed by May of next year so we can present to our bishop those we recommend for formation. We’re planning about 98 interviews. This could only happen with the wonderful support of the deacons who are willing to help.”
Both Bishop Bootkoski and Deacon DeFrange thanked the deacons’ wives for their support, which helps deacons fulfill their spiritual roles.
“Lord knows we couldn’t do it without having you by our side,” Deacon DeFrange said.
Deacon DeFrange, who became director in July, 2004, said he is heartened by the number of men in formation.
“The diocese is growing and there is a definite need for deacons. Pastoral administration is going to be a wonderful opportunity for deacons to participate in,” he said.
Deacons are ordained ministers who share the sacrament of Holy Orders with priests and bishops. They continue to live and work in secular surroundings. They may be single or married at the time of ordination.
The deacon can solemnly administer Baptism, witness marriages and preside at wakes and funerals. He assists the priest at the Eucharistic Liturgy and distributes Communion.
Deacons who have secular careers also bear witness to the Gospel in the marketplace and bring the sacramental presence of the Church wherever they go.
Deacon Sam Rutch, 72, of St. Bernadette Parish, Parlin, who was ordained in 1998, said he would recommend the diaconate to any man because it has helped bring him closer to God.
“I love Baptisms,” he said, adding that he got to administer the sacrament to one of his granddaughters. His wife Theresa, 70, noted that “The mother wrote a nice letter and said thanks for all you did. And now she (the baby) can say her grandfather baptized her.” The Rutchs will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary Nov. 13.
Mrs. Rutch added that having a husband become a deacon has increased her spirituality and helped them both through some personal trials, including a serious motor vehicle accident.
*The attached/referenced article was originally published in The Catholic Spirit, the official newspaper of the Diocese of Metuchen, and is protected under U.S. and international copyright law