Bishop Earl Fernandes, in his first opportunity to speak to the diocese’s permanent deacons since his ordination two months ago, described the role of a deacon as being a voice for the poor; an evangelist and catechist; and a man of communion, serving as an intermediary between the bishop and the poor.
“The ministers of the Church have a particular role to play in promoting the Gospel of Life,” he said. “It is the role of the Church and the deacon, as one who is in solidarity with the poor and the defenselsss, to be the voice of those who have no voice.”
“If the deacon is … to mediate between individual members of the Church and those in need, then the deacon would have to be knowledgeable of the needs of the poor in the community,” the bishop said. “He does not gain this knowledge by sitting in a classroom or by spending his time entirely concerned with liturgical functions; rather, he acquires this knowledge by being among the poor. It is through this being with the poor that the deacon learns to be for the poor, to be the voice of the poor.”
The bishop’s remarks came on Saturday, Aug. 6 at Dublin St. Brigid of Kildare Church at the annual diocesan convocation of deacons.
The event began in the morning with the bishop celebrating Mass for the Feast of the Transfiguration, followed by reflections on his thoughts and expectations regarding the diaconate as a permanent order. Throughout his address, he answered questions and shared many of his thoughts on his vision for the Diocese of Columbus and how deacons can continue to assist him and the diocese’s priests.
His talk was followed by lunch and presentations on vocations by Father William Hahn and evangelization by Father Adam Streitenberger, who are directors of the diocesan offices relating to those matters.
Convocations take place each year to give the bishop a chance to be with all the deacons at one time and to support their ministry and share their concerns.
The diocese has 115 permanent deacons. Eleven men are studying for the diaconate in anticipation of being ordained in 2024.
Twenty-four deacons were honored for reaching significant anniversaries of ordination. They are: Deacon Steve Venturini, 40 years; Deacons John Crerand, John Duprey, John Vellami and Tom Barford, 30 years; Deacons Tony Bonacci, Dan Hann, Jim Rouse, Bob Ghiloni, Mark Scarpitti and Mark Allison, 25 years; and Deacons Jack Malone, Joe Meyer, Joe Ciaciura, Jeff Carpenter, Doug Saunders, Ed Christ, Chris Reis, Joe Knapke, Tim Birie, Todd Tucky, John Westover, Dan Murray and Terry Acox, 10 years.