Looking for Something to Give That Deacon in Your Life?

May I suggest this little book, just published by Abbey Press?

Details: 

Since the early days of his pontificate, Pope Francis has challenged us to reclaim the “good news” of the Gospel and to allow that good news to heal shattered lives. He is an evangelist of hope who models true servant leadership and whose witness to joy has changed the Church and the world. This small volume brings together the reflections of five leaders in the deacon community in the United States—Deacon Greg Kandra, Deacon Steve Swope, Fr. Frank DeSiano, Deacon James Keating, and Deacon William T. Ditewig—on the joy-filled witness of Pope Francis and what his message means for deacons today.

I’m privileged and humbled to be a part of this project, and to have contributed my own thoughts on “Pope Francis: The New Evangelist” (an essay which was published this month in Deacon Digest, another Abbey Press publication.)  Kudos to editor Silas Henderson for pulling this together!  The book is short, just 65 pages, but packed with material I think many deacons will appreciate.

And I’m delighted to see the forward written by my old friend and mentor (and a friend to deacons everywhere), Bishop Frank Caggiano of Bridgeport.  He was the director of Brooklyn’s diaconate program when I began my formation.

He writes:

This book effectively highlights various aspect of Pope Francis’ ministry, particularly as it invites deacons to follow his joyful witness and become evangelists of hope. As men ordained to sacred orders and whose lives bring them into the larger marketplace, deacons and their wives are uniquely positioned and equipped to accompany God’s people in their spiritual search to encounter God’s love through servant leadership.

…This book gives all deacons a vivid reminder of what they are ordained to do: to serve in love and to give credible witness to the gift of joy.

Check it out. You can order copies here. It’s also available as an e-book at the website.