Dozens of deacons filed into St. Basil the Great Church in Brecksville on May 5 to celebrate the significant ordination anniversaries of their brethren. Bishop Edward Malesic was the presider, with Auxiliary Bishop Michael Woost and several other priests concelebrating the jubilee Mass.
Deacon Jim Armstrong, who retired three years ago as diocesan executive director of communications, was the homilist. He told his fellow deacons they serve as a bridge between the Church and the secular world. He also thanked Bishop Malesic and his predecessors for their commitment to the diaconate in the diocese.
(See photo gallery above.)
“And priests – thank you,” Deacon Armstrong said, noting he knows and has worked with many priests during his 25 years as a permanent deacon. “I’ve learned so much from them,” he said, including “the virtues of patience, presence and perseverance.” The deacon, who serves at St. Bridgid of Kildare Parish in Parma and Mary Queen of the Apostles Parish in Brook Park, also pointed out the important role deacons’ wives play in supporting their husbands’ ministry.
Reflecting on the work of some fellow diocesan deacons, he mentioned one who started a major shelter for the homeless, one who brings Jesus to those in jail and prison, another who built a ministry by collecting used furniture and distributing it to those in need and yet another who set up a food pantry that looks like a neighborhood story.
These are just a few of the things accomplished by deacons since they were introduced in the diocese 55 years ago.
“The virtue of humility is a crucial component in the life of a deacon … It’s a life of service,” Deacon Armstrong said, explaining a deacon “acknowledges oneself as a creature dependent on the Creator, recognizing our talents as gifts from God. Without him, we can do nothing … A deacon models the gentle heart of Jesus in service to others.”
Bishop Malesic said he sees the diaconate as “an extension of priestly ministry. Thank you for that,” he told the deacons in his remarks after Mass. The bishop, who is marking the 40th anniversary of his own ordination as a deacon, said he’s almost always had a deacon by his side during his priestly ministry. “I never forget I am a deacon … All priests are still deacons who serve.” He said lay people – including deacons’ wives and families – also share in their sacrificial work.
“We must give something to God who gave us everything,” the bishop added.
After Mass, the deacons, their wives and guests enjoyed a reception in St. Basil’s Parish Life Center.
The event celebrated deacons who were ordained 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20 and 10 years ago.
Deacon George Malec directs diaconate formation in the diocese. Contact him at gmalec@dioceseofcleveland.org or call 440-943-7652 for more information.