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Congratulations to John Gaughan. On Sunday May 16th, Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I. ordained him to the Order of Deacon at Holy Name Cathedral. He was part of a group of 19 men, both married and single, to be ordained as deacons. In fact, ordinations to the Diaconate in the Archdiocese of Chicago have taken place since 1972. John and Kathleen, his wife, have journeyed through four years of formation in preparation for this day, attending classes and retreats as well as being involved in several service projects and internships throughout the years. In addition, Kathleen, also has earned a Lay Ministry Certificate of Studies from The University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary. John & Kathleen have ministered in Baptismal Preparation ministries of the Mass and parish leadership of many kinds. They now continue to care for the St. Vincent Ferrer Parish flock in yet other ways. There are presently about 600 active deacons in the Archdiocese, as well as 77 men currently in the English-speaking formation program and 15 men in the Spanish-speaking program, with a new group beginning in the fall. The presence of diaconal service in the Archdiocese is widespread, yet still a frequently asked question is, “What is a deacon?” Bishops, priests and deacons receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders. The diaconate is a three-fold ministry of Altar, Word, and Charity. Deacons are ordained to baptize, proclaim the Gospel and preach, assist at the Eucharist, witness marriages, and officiate at wakes and funeral services. These are the functions most visible in the parish. The “unseen” aspect of diaconal ministry has its history in the Acts of the Apostles, chapter 6. The Apostles laid hands on “. ..seven reputable men, filled with the Holy Spirit and wisdom. ..” to care for the widows and take care of the daily distribution of food in the early Christian community. The ministry most characteristic of the deacon is centered on caring for the poor, the alienated, and those who, for various reasons, find themselves on the fringe of society. Deacons minister in hospitals, prisons, among people with AIDS, in shelters and soup kitchens, and within the various ministries coordinated through organizations such as Catholic Charities and the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Especially in the workplace deacons are visible signs of Christ in the Community. |