Word to the Wise
Saturday, May 4, 2019 - 2nd Week of Easter - Sat
[Acts 6:1-7 and John 6:16-21]As the number of disciples continued to grow, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution, So the Twelve called together the community of the disciples and said: "It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at table. Brothers, select from among you seven reputable men, filled with the Spirit and wisdom, whom we shall appoint to this task, whereas we shall devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word." [Acts]
Among the many changes in Catholic life that were the fruit of the Second Vatican Council, the restoration of the Permanent Diaconate would certainly be one of the prominent ones. In much of the word, however, it was slow to catch on, but not in the U.S.A.! The Permanent Diaconate rapidly developed with initial mixed results because the formation programs lacked a set of guidelines. However, the bishops eventually caught up with that end of the program and there is now a fair amount of uniformity in the training.
In the course of my itinerant ministry I have encountered hundreds of Permanent Deacons either in the retreats that I preach for them (and their spouses) or at parish missions where they occasionally assist with arrangements or at Eucharist. They handle all kinds of ministry in a parish or in a diocese. I'm sure they deal with their share of irritated folks who think they are not being treated fairly in a parish, like the Hellenist widows in today's first scripture. The fact that many, if not most, of them are married and have children gives them a different perspective from the celibate priest!
One of the current debates involves the ordination of women to this order of service. I, for one, hope that the church decides in favor of this. The Permanent Deacon is a valuable person and their ministry reaches deeply into the community. The feminine perspective would be a tremendous addition. They probably would deal better with those Hellenist widows! I recommend to my Beloved Congregation that you get to know the Permanent Deacons in your parish and learn about what they do. AMEN