Dozens of permanent deacons from all corners of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland heard from Bishop Edward Malesic as he addressed the annual diaconate convocation on Oct. 3 at St. Basil the Great Parish in Brecksville. Also in attendance were several wives and widows of deacons. Other deacons joined the session virtually, via webcast.
Bishop Malesic opened the session with morning prayer and talked about his positive experience as a parish priest with Deacon Joe Kramer and his wife Susan at the bishop’s former parish in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. It was through that relationship that the bishop’s appreciation for deacons and the work they offered grew. He also expressed his appreciation for the deacons’ wives who support their husbands’ ministry, which flows from the Holy Spirit. The bishop told the deacons, “Never discount the importance of your words because the Holy Spirit works through your preaching and through your service as people who serve on behalf of the Church.” The bishop answered questions from those gathered at the opening session. He closed his remarks by saying he was looking forward to getting to know the deacons of the diocese and their families.
The convocation continued with a series of three talks on the sacrament of baptism from Father Michael Woost, dean of students and director of liturgy at Saint Mary Seminary and Graduate School of Theology. Father Woost offered reflections on the spirituality of the sacrament of baptism, pre-catechesis for parents and sponsors and ritual celebration.
The permanent diaconate is a distinct ordained ministry of the Church. As sacramental signs of the servant God, fulfilled in Christ, deacons are called to serve the Church and the community in three areas: the ministry of the Word of God, the ministry of the liturgy/worship and the ministry of charity and justice. Deacons function in all three areas: service in the transmission of the Word, service in the celebration of the sacraments and service in the community’s active love.
Click here for more information on the ministry of deacon in the Diocese of Cleveland.