The Deacon's Bench
The Archdiocese of Atlanta’s eight new deacons will serve the elderly, the homeless, in hospitals, prisons and other ministries with the ultimate aim of making disciples of all nations.
Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory celebrated the Mass of ordination to the permanent diaconate Saturday, Feb. 6, at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Atlanta.
The newly ordained deacons are David Barron, Peter Harris, Jack Herndon, Dr. Thomas Kretzmer, Kapya Ngoy, Dr. Robert Perri, Paul Schueth and Jim Skolds.
In his homily Archbishop Gregory reminded the class of deacons that disciples are only made through joyful witness of the charity and compassion of others.
“Mercy is the magnet that attracts people to Christ, and we are to be agents of that mercy,” said the archbishop.
Archbishop Gregory recalled the work of the first seven deacons in the church, who were called to care tenderly for widows and those alienated from their brothers.
“Those first deacons were summoned to care for those who felt neglected and forgotten—the mission has not changed in all of these centuries.”
Congratulations and welcome, brothers! Ad multos annos!
Photo: Michael Alexander / The Georgia Bulletin
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