On the feast day of St. Lucy, I was ordained, along with 22 other men to the Permanent Diaconate for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. The picture above is from one of our anniversary gatherings a few years ago. In the front row Deacon Bobby Norman is holding a picture of Deacon Mike Zaiontz, the first of our 2008 class to pass from this life to be eternal happiness. He died in November of 2017. Also standing in the front row are Deacon Paul Augustin, 2nd from the left and Deacon Warren Pierre, 4th from the left. They both returned to the Father within a few months of each other; Paul died on November 1, 2021 and Warren died on January 26, 2022. All 3 are greatly missed and served beautifully in the office of the diaconate. Since we were ordained 14 years ago, we have also lost 2 of the wives of our class: Bernadette Walker and Nora Pierre.
In my 14 years as a Deacon I have been assigned to my home parish of St. Jane de Chantal in Abita Springs, transferred to Most Holy Trinity Parish for almost 5 years, reassigned to St. Jane where I continue to serve today. I also served for 13 of these 14 years at Rayburn Correctional Center ministering to dozens of Catholic inmates at a state-run prison. Some of the most spiritually fulfilling moments of my diaconate occurred at Rayburn. I also spent several years assisting with the formation team for Deacon candidates.
Over 14 years I wish I would have kept a better count of the number of Baptisms conducted, Weddings witnessed, funerals assisted at and so much more. I wonder how many times I've been able to preach a homily, conduct a prayer service, conduct a Communion service and offered Adoration and Benediction.
Being a Deacon is a privilege, for me, pure gift from God. Serving others is both awesome and the unique charism of the Deacon. I am enormously thankful for this gift and every opportunity presented by this ministry. Being a Deacon is not just about what we do; it's truly who we are. And so we are.
My wife has been a constant source of support, in our 45 years of marriage but also in service as a Deacon. So many friends, especially parishioners have been praying for me and supporting me as well. I have enjoyed a great relationship with all the Priests I've worked with especially the 3 men who have been my pastors. And I am very thankful for my ordaining Archbishop, Alfred Hughes and his successor, Archbishop Gregory Aymond.
Tomorrow, on the Feast of St. Lucy I will offer a prayer of thanks to God for allowing me this opportunity to serve Him and His people and will offer a prayer for all my fellow Deacons ordained with me and finally, a little pray for the 3 Saints who have gone on ahead of us. Mike, Paul and Warren, pray for us.
12.13.2008 - 12.13.2022
To God Be the Glory
Praise be Jesus Christ, now and forever
You have been a great mentor and friend to so many and a beautiful servant of God! Press on!
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary, Deacon. May God continue to bless the work you do.
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