A vast majority of all the active Permanent Deacons, and many wives, spent Saturday at Notre Dame Seminary for Convocation 2017. Our Archbishop, Gregory Aymond, spent the entire day with us and presented for several hours and also answered many questions. The Archbishop gave his thoughts and broke open for us a Vision Statement that has been produced for the community by a committee that has worked on our vision for a few years now. It's kind of like a mission statement backed up by several bullet points to clarify who is the Permanent Deacon in the life of the church in the Archdiocese of New Orleans. It was evident by his presentation that the Archbishop had really studied the document, overall gave his assent, and broke open for us what he sees as the practical realities of this Vision Statement.
The Deacons also received a presentation on liturgy and presiding at the many things Deacons actually preside at like Adoration, Benediction, prayer services, Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals. The presentation was offered by Msgr. Kenneth Hedrick, recently retired from the Archdiocese Office of Worship.
One of the highlights of an event such as this is the opportunity for Deacons and wives to get together with old classmates, friends from across the footprint of the Archdiocese and to pray together throughout the day.
I think I can speak for all Permanent Deacons when I say how thankful we are to Archbishop Aymond for his gift of presence yesterday, his support of the diaconate and his prayers for us and the work we do for the people of God.
I love the ministry of the Permanent Deacon; to serve and not be served.
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