Unprecedented, absolutely unprecedented! As part of the 9th General Synod for the Archdiocese of New Orleans, Archbishop Aymond gathered his Deacons, and no one else, for an opportunity to pray, dialogue and reflect on the future of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. For weeks now the Archbishop and his Synod team have traveled to all parts of the Archdiocese and have been listening to the voice of the laity. On Tuesday night, he sincerely wanted to hear from his Deacons.
Despite the realities of everyday life and summer vacations, about 80 Deacons were in attendance, representing a little more than 50% of the number of active Deacons in the Archdiocese of New Orleans. He began the evening by thanking us for the ministries we provide the people of God, reminding us that we are called to serve the Word, Sacrament and Charity. The emphasis was certainly on charity when he referred to us as radical men of charity! Wow!!!
Once the Synod began, the Deacons, gathered in tables of six, reflected on questions designed to help us reflect on what we do well as an Archdiocese, what we could be doing better and what are we not doing at all that we should be doing!
Each table appointed one spokesman and I can tell you the Archbishop was furiously scribbling notes at every presentation.
For me, being gathered together in one place, just Deacons and their Archbishop, was spiritually significant as it reminded me of the bond we have with our Ordinary through Holy Orders, the laying on of his hands, our promise of obedience, and our collective desire to serve the people of God.
I believe the Community of Deacons would benefit spiritually from more gatherings of the entire body and any opportunity to be with our Archbishop. May God grant us more such opportunities!
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