The more we get together the happier we are!

Yesterday was the Feast of St. Lawrence; Deacon and Martyr.  In the Permanent Deacon world of the Archdiocese of New Orleans it is one of two Deacon feasts we celebrate with Mass and a gathering.  Last night we did just that.  All the Permanent Deacons, their wives and families along with our current Transitional Deacons were invited to vest and be present at Mass, presided by Monsignor Hedrick of the Archdiocese Office of Worship.  I look forward to these gatherings(by the way the other is St. Stephen's feast on December 26th) because they truly are the only time we will see many who serve within the community.  It is a time to not only visit with friends and affirm each other in ministry, but it is a great time to reflect upon the many people we are privileged to serve as an ordained minister in God's Church.

It is also a joy to see the diversity of the Diaconate with men present who have served as Deacons for almost 40 years to those who will be ordained this coming December.  Last night we had men present from the ages of 35 to 85.  With two classes in formation, both our 2012 acolytes and 2015 candidates cooked a meal and served the food, drinks and deserts. 

The food and fellowship were enjoyed by all and everyone had a wonderful time.  For all of us, however, the highlight was Mass and the Eucharist and the encouraging homily of Msgr. Hedrick.  He focused on the story of St. Lawrence who reportedly asked Pope Sixtus, as he was being led off to his execution, where are you going Father without your Deacon.  Msgr. Hedrick reminded us that everytime we see someone going it alone, because of illness, depression, poverty, a crisis of faith, we should say to them, where are you going without your Deacon!  For last night's gathering served as a reminder that we are called to serve, and to sacramentalize service.  And we remember, it's not just what we do, it is who we are.

So another celebration of the Feast of St. Lawrence is over and we can look forward to the celebration of St. Stephen in four months.  Yes, the more we get together the happier we are!