Permanent Deacons play a very important role in the life of our Church and with the continuing shortage of Priests I believe that their role will grow. Many years ago it was suggested that I study for the Diaconate and I have thought about it from time to time but today I discovered that it would never happen because...Barbara would have to sign a permission slip!
The Church requires a Permanent Deacon to be married or widowed and that any living spouse support the vocation of the pugative Deacon and sign permission for him to be ordained. Fortunately 16 wives happily signed the permission slips and on Saturday 16 Permanent Deacons were ordained in the Archdioce of Atlanta including the husband of our very own Rosemary Thomasberger.
Another vocation in service to the Church is that of Consecrated Life. This much misunderstood vocations offers an alternative to traditional Religious Life but offers lay Catholics an opportunity to consecrate their life to Christ whether for a defined period of time or for their entire life:
World Day for Consecrated Life
February 2, 2011
Celebrated in Parishes February 6, 2011
In 1997, Pope John Paul II instituted a day of prayer for women and men in consecrated life. This celebration is attached to the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on February 2nd. This Feast is also known as Candlemas Day; the day on which candles are blessed symbolizing Christ who is the light of the world. So too, those in consecrated life are called to reflect light of Jesus Christ to all peoples. The celebration of World Day for Consecrated Life is transferred to the following Sunday in order to highlight the gift of consecrated persons for the whole Church.
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