Welcome New Deacon

Dear Parishioners,

Last week I received a phone call, followed by a letter, notifying me that Bishop James Checchio has assigned Deacon Michael Meyer to our parish as a permanent deacon.  This is the reason for joy, and we graciously welcome him to our parish family. Deacon Michael was ordained on June 12, 2010.  He has been married to his wife Jessica for 21 years.  For the past 19 years the couple and their two children were parishioners of Immaculate Conception in Annandale.

The second oldest of four children, Deacon Michael grew up in Verona, NJ.  Deacon Michael works as an Attorney and his wife as an Animal Control Officer in Lawrence, NJ. 

Of course, all of you here at Saint Catherine’s Parish have been accustomed to having the strong presence of a deacon among you. For many years this parish has benefited from the ordained service of Deacon Dennis Webster and Deacon Tony Russo, as well as Deacon Stephen Kassebaum. Although Deacon Dennis is now “retired” you never would know it. You still see him around offering his help, with a heart of true servant however he is needed.

The obvious question at this point is what can a permanent deacon do within our parish?

The Catechism of the Catholic Church gives us some insight:

Among other tasks, it is the task of deacons to assist the bishop and priests in the celebration of the divine mysteries, above all the Eucharist, in the distribution of Holy Communion, in assisting at and blessing marriages, in the proclamation of the Gospel and preaching, in presiding over funerals, and in dedicating themselves to the various ministries of charity. (CCC 1570)

A deacon is ordained to be of service to the parish.  He can preach during Mass.  He can baptize.  A deacon can help prepare couples for marriage and assist/witness at marriage ceremonies.  He can be the celebrant of liturgical and para-liturgical services such as Christian burials and wake services, benediction, and Stations of the Cross.  He can bring Holy Communion to the sick and dying.  He can teach in religious education classes and with the R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). A deacon can assist with these and various other parish functions, as well as serving in some diocesan capacity for the bishop.

We welcome Deacon Michael and his wife Jessica to our parish.  I am sure that they will find a home here just as I have, and will grow in love of you, our parishioners—the people that we are called to serve.

Fr. Chester