One thing I can say about the Permanent Diaconate is nothing is ever really permanent. Of course permanent is a reference to our state of being. Permanent really means not in a position to move forward toward the Priesthood. But I digress!
I was ordained in December of 2008. My original assignment was to my home parish of St. Jane de Chantal in Abita Springs, LA. Then came December of 2010 and informal phone call from the director of the Permanent Deacons. It seemed a need existed down the road at Most Holy Trinity Parish in Covington, LA. I indicated then to the director that I view my role as Deacon as one of obedience and total trust in God's will. I was moved to MHT in January 2011. I have been a very active Deacon with my MHT family, working with altar servers and adult faith formation as well as liturgy and preaching. And then I got another call, about a month ago. Things changed, new Deacons in the area are being ordained, would you be willing to move back home? The Archbishop would like to send you back to Abita Springs. Again, I told the director, I'm obedient and open to God's will for my life, including ministry. The letter came last week; I'm going home to St. Jane's in Abita Springs effective July 1st. And strangely, while I say I am going home, I'm leaving home too, as my time at MHT has been so special for me.
Some of my brother Deacons who were ordained with me in 2008 have not yet experienced moving. This will be my second time. At a human level, it is so difficult to say goodbye even as you look forward to the new assignment. At the level of being ordained clergy, it's all about obedience, both in following God's will for you and in obeying the wishes of the Archbishop.
So I hope you will keep reading my posts here as I begin the long process of transition. I look forward with great joy to returning to St. Jane's, along with the mission church of St. Michael's, but I am sad to begin saying goodbye to the great people at MHT.
God's will be done!
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