The Deacon's Bench
Here’s a good glimpse into the life of permanent deacons, through the eyes of the men recently ordained in the Diocese of Gaylord.
From The Traverse City Record-Beacon:
It’s a big deal,” said Deacon Paul Fifer, director of the diaconate program for the Gaylord diocese, which includes 21 counties in northern Lower Michigan. “It’s one of the Sacraments of Holy Orders. St. Francis was a deacon, not a priest. Some of the greatest saints were deacons, including Saints Lawrence and Ephrem.”
Younker and the others, including Kevin Endres, 40, of Traverse City and Martin Korson, 73, of Suttons Bay, began preparing for the diaconate in January 2011 on their own time and dollar. Rigorous development includes study, prayer, service, monthly spiritual direction, academic certifications, psychological assessments and meetings with the bishop.
“It’s a total surrender of self to God and service,” said [Jude] Younker, a captain and chaplain with the Grand Traverse Metro Fire Department and coordinator of air and ground ambulances for Munson Healthcare North Flight EMS.
The men will serve the Gaylord bishop and the Church in whatever way is needed, Fifer said. Typically deacons are assigned to their home parish to assist at masses, help with marriage and baptism preparation, and chaplain in the community at places like jails, hospitals and nursing homes.
Korson, a full-time farmer, already was pastoral administrator for St. Wenceslaus Parish in Gill’s Pier. Now he’ll add another kind of clerical presence in the parish, which is visited by a sacramental priest from Traverse City on Sundays.
“It’s part of the spiritual journey,” said Korson, a father of four. “I’ve grown to the point where I’m so convinced of the message of Christ and the future — eternal life — I just couldn’t keep it to myself. I felt I had to share it with others. This is a program where I was able to do this and still be a husband and father.”
Photo: Record-Eagle/Jan-Michael Stump
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