Today in the Archdiocese of New Orleans the diaconate class of 2012 begin the last year of formation activities before ordination. This class of 20 men will be ordained to the Permanent Diaconate on December 1, 2012.
This is an exciting, prayerful and maybe even somewhat of a scary time for these men. Exciting for sure as the long years of formation are placed behind you and that last year beckons. Prayerful for sure as prayer has sustained them throughout their personal journeys. Scary maybe isn't the best word but the feeling I'm trying to convey is the realization that soon, your life is changed forever.
I remember all these, and more, emotions as this too was my journey 4 short years ago. In January 2008 my classmates and I were anticipating ordination in December of 2008. For my 2012 brothers my best advice is to take it easy; one class at a time; remain grounded in your spirituality; do your class assignments and pray often.
The class will be focusing primarily on homiletics, canon law and spirituality. Additionally the men will take several practicums on everything from Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals, Benediction, etc. And there will be many opportunities in this year for reflection and further building of community.
So my prayers and best wishes to our Archdiocese of New Orleans class of 2012. May this be a wonderful year and may it pass ever so quickly!
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