Deacon Formation Program

 

Archdiocese of Chicago

 

University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary

Newsletter February 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Spirituality…

Rev. Dennis J. Stafford

 

The academic and formation year can be very demanding on aspirants, candidates and their wives and families. In a way, it is reflective of the busyness of the ordained lifestyle. Energy levels can wane but, they can also gain momentum because of personal goals and a desire to fulfill our timeline goals. No matter which phase of the formation process we may be engaged in there are significant goals to be achieved: And these goals are realized through a continuity of good study habits, positive effort and a committed prayer life.

 

Permanent deacons exhibit many wonderful spiritualities but are affiliated with a relationship to Franciscan spirituality. Francis did not spell out elaborate plans for the ‘how’ or ‘when’ of prayer. His concern was the reality of praying, preaching and serving. The beginning of our prayer relationship is much like a romance – there is a spark; a growing together; revealed speech; opening of hearts and much more. As St. Clement said, “Prayer is conversation with God.”

 

Let’s pray for endurance and a joy in achieving even the smallest of our personal goals.

 

    “We never have more than we can bear. The present hour we are always able to endure. As in our day, so is our strength. If the trials of many years were gathered into one, they would overwhelm us…but all is so wisely measured to our strength that the bruised reed is never broken.”

 

 – H. E. Manning (1852-1880)                  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From the Associate…

Anne Chrzan

Candidates are moving into their field education experiences which are designed to aid know-how in the three ministries of the deacon: Service to the Word, Liturgy, and Charity and Justice.

 

Year-Two candidates are engaging in a six-month Service to the Liturgy Internship in their sponsoring parish. The men are asked to observe a deacon presiding at baptisms, weddings and a wake and interment service. They are also asked to prepare and deliver three scripture reflections at a parish meeting or event.

Year-One candidates are engaging in Service to the Word field education that helps them gain acquaintance with a wide variety of ministerial activities and skills necessary in diaconal spiritual service. Two essential goals are: (1) heightened sensitivity to the dynamics of pastoral relationships, and (2) increased awareness of the social context of ministry. The candidate meets with the coordinator of each of the sponsoring parish ministries such as Catechetical classes, Parish Sharing, Pastoral Care of the Sick, and Youth and Senior Ministries, to name a few, to learn about the various ministries. He will also participate in a one-hour informal observation of the ministry. The candidate is then asked to complete a project that hypothetically engages a new ministry that does not currently exist in the sponsoring parish.

 

The aspirants will be participating in a Service to Charity and Justice field experience over the summer that incorporates 24 hours of hands-on service to an archdiocesan social service agency. Aspirants use this time to develop a clearer understanding of ministry in imitation of Christ.

 

 

 

               

 

 

 

 

the Director’s View…

Deacon Bob Puhala

 

The Military History channel chronicled two brave men who ventured into the deepest chasm of the Pacific Ocean called the Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench off the Philippines in a vessel named the Trieste. The descent to the ocean floor took more than fours hours and reached a record depth of 35,761 feet.

 

At about 9,000 feet, one of the Trieste’s two outer Plexiglas windows shattered, shaking the entire craft, plummeting inside temperatures to 45 degrees, and disrupting communication with surface ships. Yet the crew survived and returned to the surface safely, making observations that at least some vertebrate life can withstand the extreme pressure at the ocean’s floor.

 

This was in 1960 – before the United States’ first manned space flight. And since the Trieste, no manned watercraft has ever returned to the Challenger Deep.

 

How does one muster the courage to volunteer for such a mission? Yet Jesus gave this command to the apostles nearly 2,000 years before the Trieste. He told them to put out into the deep, not to be better fishermen, but to become fishers of men. And he gives the same command to us today, a mission to put aside our fear and biases, to serve those who are hidden from view, who are buried in the depths of our world.

 

Aspirants and candidates in the DFP are in the midst of this sometimes joyous and harrowing journey that explores the depths of personal faith and call. This journey continues after the laying on of hands. Please pray that all of us continue to be blessed with the courage to put out into the deep.