SAGINAW — On Wednesday, April 29, several permanent deacons from across the Diocese of Saginaw joined priests and other permanent deacons (including wives and guests) for a Jubilee Mass presided by Bishop D. Robert Gruss at the Center for Ministry chapel in Saginaw.
The six permanent deacons celebrating jubilees this year include: Deacon Larry Fussman, 50 years; Deacon Al Oliver, 20 years; Deacon Jim Damitio, 15 years; Deacon Stanley Kuczynski, 15 years; Deacon Gary Patelski, 15 years; and Deacon Mike Smith, 15 years. (Deacon Smith was not able to attend the celebration in person.)
The Jubilee Mass took place on the Memorial of St. Catherine of Siena. In his homily, the Director of the Permanent Diaconate, Deacon Andrew Waligorski, made a number of connections between this Saint’s spirit of service and the vocation of deacons.
After the homily, Bishop Gruss received the renewal of diaconal promises from all of the deacons present, in a similar way that he receives the renewal of promises from priests at every Chrism Mass during Holy Week.
In his address after the celebration dinner, Bishop Gruss thanked the permanent deacons for their ministry, service and faithfulness, as well as acknowledging the invaluable support of the wives. He emphasized how deacons are called to be living icons of Christ the Servant, and highlighted the powerful impact that deacons have throughout the diocese.
Photos from the Jubilee Celebration can be viewed HERE.
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Permanent deacons are ordained in the sacrament of Holy Orders to a threefold ministry of service in Charity, Word, and Worship. They are called to be approachable men of prayer who inspire and animate others by their examples of Christ-like service. Married or single men who sense that God may be calling them to serve as a permanent deacon should e-mail diaconate@diosag.org or call the Office of the Permanent Diaconate at 989.797.6662. To learn more about the permanent deacon formation program, visit: https://saginaw.org/Permanent_Diaconate