Msgr. J. Gaston Hebert and other diocesan leaders are taking notes of two challenges that are affecting how deacons serve the state.
The average age of the current group of deacons is 66. Deacons are required to turn in their resignation at age 75, but many of them continue to serve into their retirement.
Another issue is the lack of bilingual deacons. Only two deacons currently are fluent in Spanish.
Because of the advanced age and communication barriers, Msgr. Hebert, diocesan administrator, said a new formation class for deacons would begin this fall. Unlike previous classes, all programs will be offered in Spanish as well as English. The diocese hopes to recruit an equal number of Spanish-speaking and English-speaking candidates, Msgr. Hebert said.
He said the diocese is currently searching for a bilingual director who would oversee the four-year formation program.
Deacon John Marschewski, minister to deacons, said he hopes the new class also would allow the diocese to recruit and train clergy from parts of the state where there are few or no deacons.
“Also there is certainly a desire for younger deacons, but not to exclude the older ones,” he said.
Msgr. Hebert said he has experienced how much support the deacons provide to the priests in the state. In addition to preaching at Mass and celebrating baptisms, funerals and weddings, they teach sacramental preparation classes and assist in the Rite of Christian Initiation process.
“They do so much,” he said. “They are a great asset to the priesthood. Through the diaconate, their own work can be multiplied. … They are able to aid us in so many ways.”
Msgr. Hebert said he knows many priests were hesitant when the diaconate was reintroduced to the diocese in 1978.
“Some of them might have felt threatened,” he said. “Now 30 years later, I don’t know any priest who is hesitant to welcome a well-formed deacon.”
Marschewski and six other priests, deacons and lay people are advising Msgr. Hebert on the formation program and the interviewing process for the new formation director.
The committee also includes Deacon Bo McAllister, chancellor for canonical affairs; Deacon John Duke and Deacon Larry Jegley, former diaconate formation directors; Cackie Upchurch, director of Little Rock Scripture Study and a formation instructor; Deacon Marcelino Luna, Hispanic ministry director; and Msgr. Scott Friend, diocesan vocations director.
Marschewski has ministered to his fellow deacons for the past three years and has witnessed how many of them continue to serve their parishes beyond the required years. Seventeen of the state’s 83 active deacons are 75 years old or older.
Marschewski said the diocese has not had a permanent diaconate ordination since 2002. The last class of 22 deacons began their formation 10 years ago.
With four years of education and mentoring, it will be 2012 before the next ordination is held, he said.
Msgr. Hebert said he felt it was time for another class to form.
“I came to the point where I thought it had been too long since we had a diaconate ordination,” he said. “There is a real need for new deacons, both in the Hispanic community and also in the Anglo community.”
Marschewski said some basic requirements for application are that all men must be at least 35 years old by the time of ordination, should be practicing Catholics, involved in their parishes and have the support of their wives and churches to begin the formation. Single men may apply but once they are ordained they are not free to marry.
Fifteen meetings have been scheduled during Lent for inquirers who want more information. The program will be offered in each deanery, or region, in the diocese as well as other highly populated Spanish-speaking areas. Marschewski will lead the English sessions. Luna will lead the Spanish sessions.
Little Rock: Feb. 8, 7:30 p.m., Cathedral of St. Andrew, McDonald Hall
Russellville: Feb. 9, 9 a.m. St. Leo the Great University Parish
Subiaco: Feb. 10, 12:30 p.m., Coury House, second floor conference room
Monticello: Feb. 16, 9 a.m. St. Mark Church
Pine Bluff: Feb. 17, 12:30 p.m., St. Joseph Gallagher Hall
Forrest City: Feb. 23, 9 a.m., St. Francis of Assisi Parish Hall
Blytheville: Feb. 24, 1 p.m., Immaculate Conception Parish Center
Searcy: March 1, 9 a.m., St. James Church
Harrison: March 2, 1 p.m., Mary Mother of God Parish Hall
Fort Smith: March 7, 7:30 p.m., Immaculate Conception, St. Anne Building Common Room
Rogers: March 8, 9 a.m., St. Vincent de Paul Church
Springdale: March 9, 2 p.m., St. Raphael Church
Texarkana: March 13, 7 p.m., St. Edward Parish Hall
North Little Rock: March 15, 9 a.m., St. Patrick, school library
Hot Springs: March 16, 1 p.m., St. John the Baptist Parish Hall
For more information, call Marschewski at (501) 664-0340 or e-mail jmarschewski@ dolr.org.
