Bishop Nelson Perez spent Oct. 21 with deacons from across the diocese at a special annual convocation at the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe. Many of the deacons were joined by their wives, who also spent the day in prayer and reflection.
?The Lord has put his call deep within your heart,? the bishop told the deacons at morning Mass which began the daylong session. He also thanked the deacons? wives for their generosity in giving their husbands permission to live out their diaconal call. Bishop Perez reminded the deacons that the many challenges they face in their ministries are often a powerful source of grace.
After Mass, the bishop joined the gathering for a continental breakfast and fellowship.
Father Shawn McKnight, the keynote speaker, focused on two topics. At the morning session titled, ?50 Years of Restoration of the Permanent Diaconate: Building a Foundation,? he provided a statistical perspective of the state of the diaconate in the United States and around the world. He suggested that perhaps the unique role of today?s deacons could be that of ?animator? of the lay faithful, someone who brings people together to strengthen the charitable works of the Church. In his talk, Father McKnight acknowledged that more needed to be done to clarify the role of deacon in the Church.
In his afternoon session, titled ?The Dance of Grace,? Father McKnight spoke about the sacramental challenges of marriage and family life for the married deacon.
A recognized expert on the restoration of the diaconate after the Second Vatican Council, Father McKnight answered questions from the assembled deacons, providing for some thought-provoking conversation.
Bishop Perez also took time to answer questions from the deacons. He closed the session by leading the group in evening prayer.
