Diocese of Saginaw Publishes the “History of the Permanent Diaconate in the Diocese of Saginaw”
Last October, two permanent deacons of the Diocese of Saginaw celebrated anniversaries of their ordinations: Deacon Larry Fussman (48 years) and Deacon David Adler (44 years). The 50th jubilee of Deacon Mike Arnold will take place next March 9.
Blessed to draw upon the memories of “pioneer” permanent deacons such as these who were ordained soon after Vatican II restored the diaconate as a permanent order, the Diocese of Saginaw is pleased to announce the publication of the “History of the Permanent Diaconate in the Diocese of Saginaw.”
A number of permanent deacons and priests provided invaluable input to make this history possible, along with generous help from an editorial committee whose members represent three different diaconal eras: Deacon David Adler, Deacon Gary Patelski and Deacon Rick Warner.
Dr. Dan Osborn, Coordinator of Permanent Diaconate Formation and Ministry, initiated the project and assisted with the final editing. “I am thankful that I experienced a nudge from the Lord to capture this history of the permanent diaconate while a good number of our senior deacons were still with us.”
In his Foreword to the history, Bishop Robert D. Gruss writes: “I believe the re-establishing of the permanent diaconate truly was the work of the Holy Spirit in the Church. It has allowed men, including married men with the great support of their wives, to give themselves tirelessly to the service of the People of God.” “From that moment, the Church has been blessed with the service and sacrifices of deacons (and their wives), having a lasting impact across the world – and in particular here in the Diocese of Saginaw.”
In the final section of the history, Deacon Stanley Kuczynski, Director of the Permanent Diaconate, shares how the Lord led him into a number of beautiful ministries as a deacon: “After ordination, in addition to my ordinary duties as minister of music at regular parish liturgies, I began serving at Masses celebrated in the Polish language. Eventually the range of my duties broadened and included visiting the many sick and homebound, funeral ministry, directing the RCIA Program, and occasionally serving at regular parish Masses as well as preaching in two languages. I express gratitude to Bishop Carlson and Bishop Cistone for giving me a chance and calling me to serve the people as a deacon.”
The Diocese of Saginaw currently has 21 permanent deacons and 7 deacon candidates, some of whom are married and some who are 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. Learn more about the permanent deacon formation program sed the resources below or go to our page "Is God calling you to serve as a permanent Deacon".
Director: Deacon Stanislaw Kuczynski
Coordinator: Dr. Dan Osborn
Resources:
Overview of the Permanent Diaconate Formation Program
Permanent Deacon Handbook and Policy Manual
History of the Permanent Diaconate in the Diocese of Saginaw
Deacon Dale Sisson's Faith Journey
For more information, see our contact information at the bottom of this page.
PLEASE NOTE: THOSE INTERESTED IN APPLYING FOR THE PERMANENT DEACON FORMATION PROGRAM SHOULD E-MAIL diaconate@dioceseofsaginaw.org. Fpr more information go to our "Is God calling you to serve as a permanent Deacon" page.