“Diaconate Ordination”

June 9, 2009

Year of St. Paul

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

I’m always happy to report good news and I have some to share with you.

This Saturday, June 13, Bishop Sklba will ordain 10 men as permanent deacons at a ceremony at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist at 10:30 a.m.

Deacons assist the bishops and priests in the ordained ministry of the Church. Typically, they are assigned to a specific parish for duties in the local faith community. They have the charge to assist the priest at Mass, proclaim the Gospel, receive the gifts of the people, and preach. In addition, they may witness marriages, baptize, conduct funerals, and instruct and assist the faithful in all these areas.

The deacons in our diocese are often joined by their wives in the works of charity and service in ministries of the diocese outside of the parish. Their service is invaluable in visiting the sick in hospitals and the homebound, working in food pantries, and visiting those in jail or prison. They literally extend the missionary activity of the Church in all the corners of the Archdiocese. We are blessed with many faithful and dedicated deacons.

The Diaconate Office is located at the St. Joseph Center, 1501 S. Layton Blvd., Milwaukee. Married or single men who are interested in pursuing a possible response to God’s call to serve the Church as a deacon are invited to call Deacon John Ebel at 414-758-2212, for more information. Discover the opportunities this ministry has to offer!

Congratulations, dear brothers! Welcome to the diaconate and your service to Christ and His Church.

Faithfully in Christ,

Most Reverend William Patrick Callahan

Archdiocesan Administrator
Archdiocese of Milwaukee

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