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Celebrating the jubilee years of four permanent deacons, priests and deacons from across the diocese joined Bishop Robert Gruss for Mass at the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption in Saginaw on Oct. 13. Four members of the permanent diaconate are celebrated jubilees this year: Deacon Mike Arnold, 45 years; Deacon Lee Stilwell, 45 years; Deacon David Adler, 40 years; and Deacon Jene Baughman, 15 years.
In his homily, Bishop Gruss thanked the permanent deacons for their ministry, service and faithfulness, as well as acknowledged the invaluable support of their wives.
"You have been shining examples of what it means to be a servant of Christ," he said.
Permanent deacons are ordained in the sacrament of Holy Orders to a threefold ministry of service in Charity, Word, and Liturgy. Deacons are called to be approachable men of prayer who inspire and animate others by their examples of Christ-like service.
To learn more about the permanent diaconate in the Diocese of Saginaw, visit saginaw.org/become-permanent-deacon