From time to time I expound on here about my hectic life and busy schedule. I know why I do it but my wife has expressed concern that others could take such articles and comments in different ways. She advises me to avoid giving the appearance of bragging (that's for sure something I don't want to do since St. Paul advised about this) and also the appearance of complaining. Despite how others could take it, I assure one and all I do not want to brag but I might admit to a little bit of complaining from time to time.
My motivations are to make sure the Catholic laity, and yes my family and friends realize the fundamental charism of the Permanent Deacon. We are ordained to service, and while it might be wise to say no from time to time, if you are a Permanent Deacon, you are serving! And as I have explained before even though there is a lot of "doing" as a Permanent Deacon, it is always about who we are than what we do.
I came across a blog post from three years ago earlier today that was addressing this very topic. The conclusion of that post is the title of the article, God makes the time and God makes all things happen. There is nothing I can do right now to control certain constants in my life: I am still full time employed in the banking industry and I need that to continue for now. Banking today ain't like banking back in the day; we have crazy goals and targets to hit and for me, that translates into about a 45 hour per week workload. There is probably another 5 hours per week for travel and sometimes extra events do roll around. So being a Permanent Deacon while being in the marketplace is one of the geniuses of this order. The Permanent Deacon can and should be a witness to his faith and the order of deacons even while, if not especially when, at work. Since the employed Permanent Deacon may not be available for appointments and meetings during the day that means an active evening and weekend life is all about ministry.
I don't believe that the Deacon needs to brag if circumstances result in perhaps 3-4 nightly appointments and tons of ministry on the weekend. Again, this is more about who we are than what we do. Normally, I have an assigned ministry event on most Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Sometimes Friday may bring ministry, especially during Lent, and from time to time I do assist at parish PSR on Mondays. My weekends will always result in assisting at two Masses minimum, why would you be a Permanent Deacon and only assist one mass(not withstanding health issues and other extraordinary circumstances). Other weekend activities could include baptisms, weddings, appointments, retreats, bringing communion to the sick. Just this weekend, as an example, I offered Benediction for 1st Friday at St Jane Church, assisted Mass for the parish 1st Holy Communion, assisted the vigil Mass Saturday afternoon, then assisted Sunday's 8 am and 6 pm Mass. I also brought communion to the sick.
So if you ask how do you do it, the answer is simple: God helps me make the time. Sure, maybe something gets left behind or rescheduled but God helps me find the way. Using time well, especially for my ministry, is not new or unique for a Permanent Deacon. Those with multiple jobs, actively raising a family, those who pursue sports or other activities have to balance life. Same is true for me. The calling to the Permanent Diaconate is a call to serve. And service in response to the needs of God's people also must be balanced against career and even more importantly family! So maybe I waste a lot less time, maybe I work hard and smart, maybe I place it all into the hands of God. Bottom line is this: God is the author of time and I ask Him to make the time necessary for me to fulfill all my responsibilities and to show me when I need to stay focused and organized and when I might need a break or some help. And I always trust that whatever I need to bring to fulfillment, God will help me and show me how it is going to come together.
I don't think for me I would want it any other way. As a Permanent Deacon, I want to do all I can do to live out the charism of service, while fulfilling career goals and family responsibilities.
All for the greater glory of His name, in service to Him by serving others!
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