Our 17 Permanent Diaconate Candidates Attend The Canonical Retreat

Article by: Deacon Mark Schultz, Assistant Director of Formation
 

From across the vast area of our particular local church, seventeen men have spent approximately the last five+ years in prayerful discernment and formation with their supporting wives as they humbly approach reception of Ordination to the Diaconate. 

One of their final candidate preparations was this July, as a 5 day Canonical Retreat was held at St. Anthony Retreat Center under the guidance of Retreat Master - Fr. Dan Avila. The theme of being "witnesses" ( Acts 1:8 ) was central throughout the well received presentations to the couples, and was highlighted by the presence of our Bishop as he spoke of, and shared about the special and unique bond between himself and his Deacons. 

The universal response of the parties to these singular days together in prayer and sacramental life was a splendid feast of emotional, intellectual, and spiritual development, and a particularly moving highlight of the week was the candidate's reception of Bishop Joseph's Call to Orders letter. 

The candidates wish to express their profound happiness and gratitude as they anticipate working as collaborators with their future brother clergy in the Lord's Vineyard, and sincere obedience to Bishop Brennan as they exercise with grace of God their diaconal ministry with intense joy and love.