Senior deacons gather for worship, program, fellowship

About two dozen senior deacons, their wives and deacon widows attended Mass at St. Adalbert Church in Berea on Aug. 21 before hearing a presentation by Deacon Mike Hayes, who serves the diocese in several roles as delegate for active deacons, director of chaplaincy services and outreach and delegate for ecumenical and interfaith affairs.

Deacon Hayes, who was ordained in 2024, ministers at St. Christopher Parish in Rocky River.

He shared his formation story with the group, noting he worked with young adults for 25  years in campus ministry, retreat and spiritual direction. He also has been a radio broadcaster and podcaster and is a co-founder of Busted Halo, a media resource that helps bring the joy of the Gospel to people through podcasts, print, radio, videos, social media and more. A Paulist deacon affiliate, Deacon Hayes hosts “5 Questions with the Paulists” and is a frequent host on the “Deacon’s Pod.” He also is the author of “Goggling God” and “Loving Work.”

Deacon Hayes shared stories with attendees and candidly answered questions about his career, formation and current work in the diocese. He invited questions from the group and  accepted suggestions for future programs.

He explained that the clergy personnel board meets regularly to recommend clergy assignments – for deacons and priests, noting a great deal of thought and discussion factors into the recommendations.

There was some discussion about social justice issues, including the death penalty in Ohio, which could be eliminated by Gov. Mike DeWine with an executive order or through legislative action by the Ohio Legislature. It is possible that the governor, who is term-limited, could pardon or commute the sentences of those on death row before he leaves office in January 2027, he said.

After the program, the group enjoyed lunch and conversation.

Deacon Ed Gardias, delegate for senior deacons who serves at St. Adalbert Parish, organized the event. He said he tries to schedule occasional gatherings for the group in order to promote collegiality and fellowship as well as to allow time for worship. He noted the wives are an important part of their husbands’ ministry, so they are invited, as well. Senior deacons are those age 65 and older.

“And it’s important to include the widows of our deacons,” he said, noting they also have made contributions over the years to the ministry. “Deacons are ordained for life. They continue their ministry and serve the Lord in various ways, as do their wives and widows,” he added.

Click here to learn more about the diaconate program in the diocese.