By Richard Meek
The Catholic Commentator
Bishop Robert W. Muench and a large crowd at St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge welcomed seven new permanent deacons during the Rite of Ordination of Deacons on June 10.
page 1 deacon photo edit2.tif Bishop Robert W. Muench, center, ordained seven permanent deacons during The Rite of Ordination Deacons at St. Joseph Cathedral on June 10. Pictured, from left, are Deacon Minos Ponville, Deacon Steve Brunet, Deacon Kirk Duplantis, Deacon Gary Mooney, Deacon Tim Messenger, Deacon George Hooper and Deacon William Corbett. Photo by Richard Meek | The Catholic Commentator

Bishop Muench ordained Deacon Stephen Brunet, Deacon William Corbett, Deacon Kirk Duplantis, Deacon George Hooper, Deacon Tim Messenger, Deacon Gary Mooney and Deacon Minos Ponville Jr.
In his homily, Bishop Muench said the morning was one of a “spirit of joy, excitement and enthusiasm.”
“All deacons are marked with an irremovable imprint, configuring them to Christ, the servant,” the bishop said. “You, our deacons, and the diaconal community, who exercise your ministry with diligent commitment, are the source of much admiration and inspiration.”
During his homily Bishop Muench revealed how in the past 70 years the church has been significant developments in the dioaconate. He said in 1947 Pope Pius XII declared the laying on of hands and prayer constituted the matter and form for the ordination of deacons, priests and bishops.
During Vatican II the case for permanent deacons was approved and in 1964 the final version was ratified.
Since 1976, Bishop Muench said the diocese has ordained or incardinated 83 deacons, and after the ordination there will be 60 permanent deacons in pastoral assignments.
“Can we not perceive the Holy Spirit’s continued dynamic action in the church?” he said.
Deacon Corbett and Deacon Messenger will serve as deacon assistants at St. Margaret Queen of Scotland Church in Albany; Deacon Brunet will serve as deacon assistant at St. George Church in Baton Rouge; Deacon Duplantis will serve as deacon assistant at St. Gabriel Church in St. Gabriel; Deacon Hooper will serve as deacon at Immaculate Conception Church in Denham Springs; Deacon Mooney at St. Joseph Cathedral; and Deacon Ponville at Holy Family Church in Port Allen. 
Deacon Messenger will also serve as chaplain at the Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women in St. Gabriel. 
Deacon Mooney will also serve as chaplain at Dixon Correctional Institute in Jackson.