Ever wonder what it takes to become a Deacon?

Saint Francis Xavier parishioner and fellow blogger, Dianna Kennedy, recently interviewed me for a series of articles that she will be posting on her blog, The Kennedy Adventures.  

Dianna's article titled "The Role of a Deacon: Saints and Scripture Sunday" tracks my path to becoming a deacon from a seed being planted 20 years ago to my ordination day on August 26, 2006. She also discusses the role deacon's play in the Church today, and much more.

Here's a snippet from Dianna's article:

Have you ever looked around your church, and wondered about the people serving various roles? When discussing vocations, have you ever thought, “How did that person come to know God’s path for them?”

For the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing with you some of the things I’ve learned by simply taking the time to talk to people in my own parish, as well as some of the ones I visit.

Did you know these things about deacons?

• A deacon candidate’s wife must sign a letter granting her husband permission to be ordained a deacon.
• If a deacon’s wife dies, if a deacon wishes to maintain his faculties as Deacon, he will remain celibate, as do our priests.
• Deacons are required to spend at least 10 hours per week serving in their parish, but according to Canon Law, they cannot be paid for ministries relating to the diaconate. Deacons are expected to have a seperate source of income to support themselves and their families. You may find some deacons holding positions such as business manager, or parish administrators  – roles that are seperate from their ministry.

Read the entire article on The Kennedy Adventures here...