An annual tradition of celebrating the Feast of St Stephen by the community of Deacons in the Archdiocese of New Orleans continued today at the beautiful church of St. Stephen on Napoleon Avenue. Every year, on December 26th, the Deacons and their wives, along with any candidates and aspirants, gather to celebrate Mass, honor those Deacons who have passed away during the previous year and then fellowship, renewing friendships and comparing stories of ministries.
Today's Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Gregory Aymond who also delivered today's homily. The Archbishop reminded all of us that we serve the people of this Archdiocese in the tradition of St Stephen. He went on to affirm our ministry in serving the poor and marginalized and encouraged us to continue. It was a very poignant moment when Archbishop Aymond reminded us that he too is a Deacon and the Priesthood and his Episcopacy are added on to the ordination as a Deacon. We even had a transitional Deacon with us today; sharing the same Holy Orders as all of us Permanent Deacons, he will be ordained to the Priesthood in the summer!
At the end of Mass our Director thanked the Archbishop for being with us and encouraging and supporting all of us in the ministry of the Deacon. Once over, the community gathered for a social that included food and drink and plenty of great company.
I'm so grateful for the ministry of the Permanent Deacon and that God called me to this ministry. And I am equally grateful for wonderful supporting community of Deacons we have here in the Archdiocese of New Orleans.
No comments:
Post a Comment