Good Books

In my short diaconal ministry, I have already been privileged to see many beginnings and ends; although, in faith, I have come to understand them all as true beginnings. Beginnings that, as a wise person once noted, are like seeds that have been planted, but whose fruit may not be realized until the planter has long departed the scene.

As you might suspect, permanent deacons experience a wide range of ministries. Within the hum of parish life, deacons may be found serving at Holy Mass, proclaiming the Gospel, baptizing, offering blessings, witnessing marriages, and presiding at benediction and funeral services. And yet, it is often beyond the "traditional" parish boundaries where many deacons find themselves living out their vocation and providing a needed shoulder for those living on the margins of society- especially the homeless, hungry, sick, and dying. Still other deacons may be found in varied prison and jail ministries- serving not only the prisoners, but also their family and friends. In every ministry, whether within or outside the parish community, deacons are called to help God's people begin again.

For those who have experienced an internship of any kind, it often rings true that certain insights and perspectives are gained; and in the end, these "kernels of wisdom" become part of one's own daily routine. Similar to the way daughters and sons receive wisdom from their mothers and fathers, deacons also receive from other deacons- especially during internship. More often than not, the deacon mentor is also a person with significant life experience and years of ordination under his belt. For aspiring deacons, this process becomes one of following and observing the deacon through the course of ordinary- and extraordinary- ministerial interactions. And as I have already noted, the "list" of ministerial opportunities is one that, this side of heaven, never truly ends.

During my internship, one of the "gifts" given me by my deacon mentor was something that he has done after every baptism- for more than thirty years. Very simply, in addition to recording the newly baptized child's name in the parish registry, he also records their name in a personal prayer book- in order that he might continue to pray for them in the years ahead. In my own ministry, I have continued this practice; and, on most days, have found myself remaining faithful to the "tradition" that I have received as I ask God's continued blessings upon those whom I have baptized- and their families.

In just a short few years, the pages of my book have begun to fill with names already spanning into the hundreds. God willing, if my ordination longevity follows the pattern of my mentor, there remains a great likelihood that my list, like his, will grow into the thousands. Just imagine, thousands of baptized children, each on a unique path to adulthood where one day, they too, with God's grace and help, will form families of their own.

And at path's end? Countless beginnings, abundant prayers, more good books, and for certain- many new deacons to carry on a splendid tradition!

May God be praised.