August 14, 2009
12 deacons to be ordained for diocese Aug. 15
A photo collage of the 12 deacon candidates and their wives. Click image for a photo gallery.
By PAUL R. LEINGANG (Message editor)
Bishop Gerald A. Gettelfinger will ordain 12 new permanent deacons for the Diocese of Evansville at St. Benedict Cathedral on Saturday, Aug. 15 at 10 a.m.
“They are a great group of men,” said Father Jean Vogler, director of the diocesan permanent diaconate program. They are “highly talented, extremely dedicated, very competent,” he said. “The diocese will be very pleased with them.
(Biographical information | Images of all the deacon candidates)
The 12 new deacons will join 41 deacons — some of whom were ordained in 1977 among the first group in the diocese. Four of the 41 deacons are retired.
The number of diocesan priests has dwindled in recent decades, while interest in the permanent diaconate has blossomed.
“I think they are a great gift from God,” Father Vogler said. “The Holy Spirit is guiding the church and at this time in history, the Holy Spirit is providing deacons to get the work done.”
The Church is experiencing a time when many Catholic lay men are willing to take the time to prepare for ministry, he said. The Catholic Church is a sacramental church, and having deacons who can administer some of the sacraments “certainly will help.”
Three Benedictine priests from St. Meinrad and 48 diocesan priests currently serve in parish and other full time ministries in the diocese. Many of the 26 retired priests of the diocese continue to provide weekend and sacramental assistance.
More and more, Father Vogler said, parish priests are requesting to have a deacon assigned to them.
The preparation for permanent diaconate begins with a year of aspirancy, followed by three years of candidacy. A week after the 12 current candidates are ordained, orientation for the next four-year program is scheduled.