CAMDEN (October 6, 2006) — On the evening of Oct. 4, 1976, 30 men were ordained to the order of the permanent diaconate by Bishop George Guilfoyle in St. Rose of Lima Church in Haddon Heights. This was the beginning of the modern diaconate as a permanent ministry in the Diocese of Camden.
On Wednesday, 13 living members of the class of 1976 celebrated the 30th anniversary of their ordination: Deacon Joseph Becker (St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Absecon), Deacon Henry Custodio (Retired, St. Agnes, Blackwood), Deacon Raymond Ellis (St. Stephen, Pennsauken), Deacon John Gallimore (Retired), Deacon Matthew Hanrahan (St. Catherine of Siena, Clayton), Deacon Edward Harkins (Retired), Deacon Frank Iula (St. Rose of Lima, Haddon Heights), Deacon Brian Kearny (Retired), Deacon Leo McBlain (St. Peter Celestine, Cherry Hill), Deacon Richard McCarthy (Retired), Deacon Eugene McLeer (Retired, Sts. Peter and Paul, Washington Twp.), Deacon Ronald Olesiewicz, and Deacon Frank Vargo.
The order of the diaconate dates back to the apostolic age, though in time it became a transitional stage on the way to priesthood. It was restored as a permanent order by the Church after the Second Vatican Council on June 18, 1967.
In his apostolic letter setting out the General Norms for the permanent diaconate, Sacrum Diaconatus Ordinem, Pope Paul VI wrote, “It is not to be considered as a mere step towards the priesthood, but it is so adorned with its own indelible character and its own special grace so that those who are called to it ‘can permanently serve the mysteries of Christ and the Church.’” Permanent deacons are ordained clergy.
Like all ordained clergy (bishops, priests and deacons), they are called to the functions of Word, Sacrament and Charity, though each in his own distinct way. Permanent deacons proclaim the Gospel at Mass, preach homilies, assist the priest celebrant at Mass, distribute Communion, preside at baptisms, funeral and burial services and witness weddings.
They may not celebrate Mass or administer the sacraments of reconciliation or anointing of the sick, which are reserved for the ordained priesthood. Permanent deacons are also called to lead works of charity and to advance the cause of social justice. The permanent diaconate is open to single and married men over the age of 35.
In accord with ancient tradition, unmarried deacons must remain unmarried, while those who are married may not remarry if their spouses die. Today there are 121 permanent deacons in the Diocese of Camden, 109 of which are in active ministry. According to the 2002 Vatican Yearbook, published in the spring of 2004, there were 30,087 permanent deacons engaged in pastoral ministry, including nearly 15,000 in the United States.
Next month, deacons and the wives from the region will gather in Lancaster, Pa., for their annual assembly, which will be held Nov. 10-11 at the Lancaster Host Resort in Lancaster. The assembly includes deacons and wives from the (Arch)Dioceses of Allentown, Altoona-Johnstown, Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic of the Ruthenians, Camden, Erie, Greensburg, Harrisburg, Metuchen, Newark, Our Lady of Deliverance of Newark of the Syrians, Paterson, Philadelphia for Ukrainians, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh-Byzantine Rite, Scranton, and Trenton.
Two days of workshops will be highlighted by presentations by Bishop Kevin Rhoades of Harrisburg, Bill Donaghy, founder of Mission Moment, and Bishop Joseph Galante. For more information about the permanent diaconate see www.464edee1fa.nxcli.io or call (856) 583-2858.