www.byzcath.org Forums News & Events Church News Eastern Catholic Deacon Congress

The diaconate in the Eastern Catholic Churches is marking a first with a congress to be held in Scranton, PA September 20-22.

It should be of interest to deacons, subdeacons, their spouses, directors of diaconal training programs, candidates for the diaconate or subdiaconate and any persons who generally want to see the diaconate flourish again in the Eastern Catholic Churches.

Details can be found here:

http://easterndeaconcongress.com

Your prayers for me will be appreciated. I am still fighting bitterness over this incident.

https://http4281.wordpress.com/2017/04/30/does-the-church-really-want-vocations/

Please be assured of my prayers that your heart may be at peace and free of all bitterness.

And do realize that your service as an adult altar attendant is of great importance both in the glorification of God and the sanctification of your parish, as well as providing assistance to the priest.

And if you have the time and means please come to the congress. It would be a pleasure to meet you.

I perceive a tone of frustration mixed with a sense of betrayal rather than true bitterness.

But it is well that you are on guard against bitterness, for that poison is debilitating.

I was thinking again about this incident on the way home tonight from Good Friday Vespers. During the procession around our church, I got to swing the kadillo and couldn't help but think that this would be the closest I ever get to being a deacon. It was a beautiful service tonight. We came out of the church and the sky was clear, stars twinkling, and a full moon. I am happy that I am allowed to still serve the altar of our Lord. As I have said to many priests with whom I have served, it is a privilege and not a right.

You know, if there was one good thing that I took away from all this, it has been learning Matthew 5:44 from the heart. It is easy to hear the words of our Lord when he tells us to forgive others who dump on us, but it is entirely another thing when someone actually does it to you. You will find out real quickly if you have the forgiving heart of Christ or not. And if not, then you have a chance to confess and grow.