Bulletin article for January 19, 2014

The ministry of a permanent deacon can often require a deacon to wear a number of different hats in Church ministry. The ministry of some deacons can be quite specialized, working with specific groups like the developmentally disabled, the homeless, the unemployed, Habitat for Humanity to list a few. There are deacons who minister as hospital chaplains, counselors, and educators. There are deacons that direct the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults), prepare parishioners for the sacraments from baptism to matrimony, and are catechists in Faith Formation. Some deacons serve as parish administrators. We all assist in the liturgical life of a parish from officiating at baptisms, weddings, and funerals, to assisting at Mass, proclaiming the Gospel, preaching, and distributing Holy Communion, visiting the sick, and attending those dying. Over my 19 years as a deacon I have done much of what is listed above and then some. However, the one ministry I cannot fulfill is that of being a Regional Associate Pastor. The one person who has excelled at this is Fr Dave Barrett. Fr Dave is as eager as we are for his return to active ministry. The best way for this to happen is to write those on the independent ministerial commission. A short note describing what Fr Dave’s ministry means to you is all that is necessary. You do not need great writing skills. Sincerity, a pen and paper is all that is required. Please direct your notes to Mr. John Selvig, Archdiocese of St Paul and Minneapolis, 226 Summit Ave, St Paul, MN 55102-2197. I believe the return of Fr Dave to active ministry is worth the cost of a little time, an envelope and a postal stamp, don’t you? This is one “writing assignment” I think we all won’t have any complaints doing.