Deacons in convocation; every diocese should do this!

Deacons attend a day of formation and prayer

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Photo by James A. McBride
Deacons of the Diocese of Camden wait to enter St. Charles Borromeo Church, Sicklerville, for the closing liturgy of the permanent deacon convocation on Sept. 20. Deacons and 18 men in formation gathered for prayer, fellowship and continuing education.

By Peter G. Sánchez

At the Camden Diocesan Diaconate Convocation, held Sept. 20 at St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Sicklerville, permanent deacons and men in formation heard a closing address from Bishop Dennis Sullivan, who encouraged them in their ministry as witnesses of the Catholic faith who spread the Gospel message to Catholics and those in the public forum alike. He also asked all to pray for an increase in vocations to the permanent diaconate.
Bishop’s words came near the end of a day where 89 permanent deacons of the diocese, and 18 men in formation, gathered for “prayer, fellowship, and continuing education,” said Deacon Michael Carter, co-director of the Office of the Permanent Diaconate.
The day was a time for the men to “get grounded,” he said, and be reinforced in the four pillars of diaconate spirituality: intellectual, spiritual, pastoral and human. “It’s what the deacons are becoming, not just what they are doing,” he said.
The morning address was given by Father James Bartoloma, chancellor, who advised the men on their duties as ministers of the church, sharing the sacrament of holy orders, along with bishops and priests.
The men also participated in sessions facilitated by Steve Obarski, director of Worship for the Camden Diocese, who spoke on the role of the deacon in the Eucharistic celebration; Father Robert Sinatra, adjutant judicial vicar for the Tribunal on marriage dispensation; and Father Francis Danella, pastor of Our Lady Star of the Sea, Cape May, on deacon spirituality.
The convocation closed with liturgy in St. Charles of Borromeo church.