formator
New Member
Posts: 0
Diocese of: Rochester
Year of Ordination: 1999
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Post by formator on Jan 16, 2017 11:41:58 GMT -5
At my parish there is a parental choice - at Holy Mass or after. About 95% opt for after. Baptisms at Holy Mass are by the celebrant. After Mass the deacon baptizes. On average I baptize two a month.
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Post by deaconsailor on Feb 12, 2015 15:47:58 GMT -5
Following the creation of mankind in sacred scripture we find almost immediately that, in giving his favorite creation free will, he opened the door to bad choices. In the third chapter of the Book of Genesis (Genesis 3:1-10) we find the account of “the Fall.” Now the snake was the most cunning of all the wild animals that the LORD God had made. He asked the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You shall not eat from any of the trees in the garden’?”
The woman answered the snake: “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden; it is only about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden that God said, ‘You shall not eat it or even touch it, or else you will die.’”
But the snake said to the woman: “You certainly will not die!
God knows well that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened and you will be like gods, who know good and evil.” The woman saw that the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eyes, and the tree was desirable for gaining wisdom. So she took some of its fruit and ate it; and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.
Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves.
When they heard the sound of the LORD God walking about in the garden at the breezy time of the day, the man and his wife hid themselves from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. The LORD God then called to the man and asked him: Where are you?
He answered, “I heard you in the garden; but I was afraid, because I was naked, so I hid.”
Then God asked: Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I had forbidden you to eat?
The man replied, “The woman whom you put here with me—she gave me fruit from the tree, so I ate it.”
The LORD God then asked the woman: What is this you have done? The woman answered, “The snake tricked me, so I ate it.” That event opened the door to sin and death and spoiled the innocent creation that was man and woman. The Fall closed the gates of our eternal home with the Father. Our adoption by him was forfeit. This fallen state continued until, at long last, God was pleased to send his Only Begotten Son, Jesus the Christ, into the world and the Gates were once more reopened. We consider for a moment a deeper warning contained within this story which uses figurative terms to describe a primeval event (CCC 390). God created mankind with his own intellect which includes a keen sense of curiosity. From earliest times, we have sought to understand God’s creation, over which he gave us dominion (Genesis 1:28-31). The problem arises when curiosity is de-coupled from faith. Over the past five hundred years, especially in the Western World, intellectual pursuits have taken center stage in the development of human society. The idea of innocent faith has been disparaged on an increasing level by those whose basic formation omitted the development of a firm and lively faith. It was as if, for a majority of those studying the natural world, there was no interest in the metaphysical, the things of God. There were only problems to be solved and mysteries to be uncovered. And always in the ear of these eager and gifted explorers was the voice of the serpent; “you will be like gods. “ With no voice of God to hold them accountable and no knowledge of God to provide a moral road map, the wonder of God’s creation was relegated to simply a series of natural laws and random chaotic acts of nature. No one warned them that pursuit of wisdom without appreciation for the foundational faith in God would lead them also to the ultimate realization also found in the story of the Fall; shame, strife, suffering, and most damning, separation from God. In their pursuit of pure knowledge, they have forgotten the author of all knowledge and have embarked on their own fall. This crushing failure of human intellect is most visible in the halls of academia, most especially in the hard sciences; physics, math, biology, and chemistry. But it is also epidemic in the social sciences as well. The real problem comes when those who would be like gods are responsible for educating children over generations who have likewise not be given a deep and lively faith by their first teachers, their parents. Coming into these halls of learning they are immediately, in more subtle terms told “you will be like gods.“ And if they cannot hear the message and recognize its origin, they too will forget the Creator and look only at the mystery of the created. God certainly inspired the authors who penned sacred scripture all those millennia ago. His message was both obvious and hidden (as St. Augustine said “The New Testament is hidden in the Old, and the Old Testament is revealed in the New.”). The deeper biblical truth in the story of the Fall is that there is a danger in the pursuit of knowledge, but only if we forget the source of all knowledge who is God. Pax
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Post by Tim Killmeyer on Dec 30, 2014 8:37:48 GMT -5
From www.divineoffice.org : New Year’s resolutions are a common practice going back over 3,000 years. We have the feeling and the hope of a new beginning and for all Christianity this hope is renewed each year with the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ. Most New Year’s resolutions are personal commitments to quit bad habits and set new good ones, new goals as spending more time with family or eating healthier or exercise more. It seems the vast majority of New Year’s resolutions are in relation to physical things. If so, let us then remember: “ train yourselves to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:7, 8. If we are committed to follow these words and our New Year’s resolutions is to pray more, to attend church more regularly, we should still remember that there is no power in a New Year’s resolution if God is not, truly, the center of it. Honoring Him in mind and body, growing spiritually, renouncing our pride and vanity, praying to the Lord for wisdom in all regards and not becoming daunted with occasional failures, because: “The Lord guides the steps of a man and makes safe the path of one he loves. Though he stumble he shall never fall for the Lord holds him by the hand.” Psalm 34
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Post by devitopl on May 8, 2014 11:44:58 GMT -5
Chuck, Thank you for the offer of music. I went the web site you mentioned but did not see the link for a free CD. With the many types of spam and viruses on the Internet today, I'm reluctant to hunt for the correct link. Please repost with a direct link through the web site to the page for your CDs.
Your servant in Christ, Paul
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Post by Tim Killmeyer on Apr 17, 2014 6:24:28 GMT -5
"Temptation is necessary for us to realize that we are nothing in ourselves." St. John Vianney
Jason Evert Purity 365, Servant Books
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Post by Tim Killmeyer on Mar 30, 2014 15:27:11 GMT -5
The Resurrection is the very heart and soul of Christianity. Without the Resurrection, Christianity collapses. It’s the standing and falling point of the faith. Therefore, to deny the Resurrection is to cease to be Christian. You might pick up bits and pieces of Christianity here and there, and you might follow Jesus as a wise spiritual teacher, but without the Resurrection the whole thing falls apart.
Speaking more practically, the Resurrection is key to spiritual detachment. If God has a life for us beyond this life, one not so much opposed to this earthly life but inclusive of and beyond it, then I’m able to wear this world much more lightly. I’m not as obsessed with finding my joy here.
Those who are not convinced of the Resurrection, who believe they’ll just die and that’s it, naturally chase after wealth, pleasure, power, and honor. But once you’re convinced of the Resurrection, you know this world isn’t ultimate. You can let go of those earthly pursuits, stop chasing them, and aspire toward a life on high with God, which is a life of love. Becoming a person of love thus becomes your central goal.
That’s how the Resurrection affects every aspect of your life.
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jerryroersma
New Member
Diocese of[br]Grand Rapids, MI[br]Class of 2006
Posts: 3
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Post by jerryroersma on Mar 8, 2014 19:59:16 GMT -5
The deacons from the Diocese of Grand Rapids, Michigan will have their retreat on October 17-19, 2014 at Saint Francis Retreat Center in DeWitt, Michigan. Father Phil Shangraw will be our retreat master. Any deacon from another diocese is welcome to join us. Contact Deacon Jerry Roersma at jerryroersma@aol.com
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Russ O'Neill
Lector
Diocese of Youngstown Class of 2000
Posts: 189
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Post by Russ O'Neill on Mar 8, 2014 13:31:36 GMT -5
Ed, A few years ago, we had Friar Johnpaul Cafiero, OFM, for our deacon and wives retreat. He was very good, entertaining and still challenging. He was a chaplain with the Illinois State Police. I don't know if he is still there. Phone was 312-659-1547; web site - www.FriarJp.com. Another really good one we had in the past was Deacon James Keating. He belongs to the diocese of Columbus OH but is currently director of theological formation for the Institute of Priestly Formation at Creighton University. Russ O'Neill
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Ed Solomon
New Member
Diocese of Albany[br]Class of 2004
Posts: 2
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Post by Ed Solomon on Mar 8, 2014 10:05:41 GMT -5
Thanks Mike. I will give you a call. I appreciate your feedback.
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mcberstene
New Member
Diocese of Norwich, CT[br]Ordained 1993
Posts: 4
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Post by mcberstene on Mar 8, 2014 9:44:33 GMT -5
My wife and I have been doing Deacons and Wives retreats and married couples retreats for a number of years.
Our newest retreat is based on Evangelii Gaudium: Living God's Mission as a Married Couple Beginning with Pope Francis' Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel), this retreat offers the couple the opportunity to reflect on God's mission of love in the context of married life. As married couples, we bring to the world an expression of God's love through the lived relationship of faith and family. Join us as we explore the Joy of the Gospel in the everyday experience of marriage and family.
This retreat was given to the Archdiocese of Boston deacon candidates and their wives in February.
We have also the following retreats available: Deacon and Wife: Partners in faith and family Deacon and Wife: Writing a Regula Vitae for diaconal living Men and Women of the Diaconate: The Living Icon of Christ the Servant
All of our retreats focus on our spiritual journey and deepening our awareness of God’s presence in each other and in God’s call to mission in the world.
We have done retreats for deacons and wives: Fort Worth Texas in 2003 Norwich in 2004 and 2013 Bridgeport in 2005 Portland in 2008 and 2012 Manchester in 2009 Boston in 2009,2010 and 2014 Fall River in 2011 Erie in 2012 (two retreats) Springfield in 2012
If you are interested in any of these retreats, we can share more details about that retreat.
Deacon Michael Berstene Mrs. Mary Frances Berstene
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Russ O'Neill
Lector
Diocese of Youngstown Class of 2000
Posts: 189
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Post by Russ O'Neill on Feb 26, 2014 16:27:07 GMT -5
Ed, See my post below
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Ed Solomon
New Member
Diocese of Albany[br]Class of 2004
Posts: 2
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Post by Ed Solomon on Feb 7, 2014 9:13:31 GMT -5
We do an annual retreat for Deacons in the Diocese of Albany. I have just accepted the position of Director of On-Ongoing Formation. I am seeking a retreat leader for our September 2014 retreat. The retreat is held Friday night to Sunday noon. Since I was just appointed, I am scrambling to find a good retreat leader who may be available at this late notice. Does anyone have any ideas of good retreat leaders. I had hoped to get someone with a Franciscan spirituality to do this. I am very open to having a woman retreat leader, which would be a first for our gathering. Any ideas, names, contacts would be very helpful. Thank you.
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Purity
Jan 20, 2014 6:48:34 GMT -5
Post by Tim Killmeyer on Jan 20, 2014 6:48:34 GMT -5
"The satisfaction of the passions is one thing, and the joy that man finds in mastering himself more fully is another." –Bl. Pope John Paul II
Jason Evert Purity 365, Servant Books
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Post by deaconsailor on Jan 8, 2014 11:12:44 GMT -5
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Tom Moseley
New Member
Diocese of Marquette[br]Ordained 2004
Posts: 4
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Post by Tom Moseley on Dec 4, 2013 11:07:31 GMT -5
My parish does all Baptisms after the Saturday Mass. Our priest does all the prep and most of the 20+ Baptisms. I do about 1-2 a year. Our town is about 3000 in a county of about 10,000
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cookydeacon
New Member
Diocese[br]of Camden[br]Class of 1999
Posts: 3
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Post by cookydeacon on Dec 3, 2013 11:59:46 GMT -5
I've been doing Baptisms monthly since I was ordained almost 15 years ago. In my current assignment, I run the Baptism class, schedule the Baptisms, etc. We do group Baptisms every month, which I primarily do, though the pastor in the last year has opted to do more, especially if someone in group he did wedding for or a family he knows. We have one Mass each month that we also do Baptisms at, with a limit of 2 at the Mass. That is all the pastor allows for the month right now. I will schedule private Baptisms, which the pastor leaves at my discretion; who's going to do it, availability of celebrant and when. Many times pastoral consideration will modify how/what we do. I have scheduled one with the pastor for soldier home on leave at the end of month.
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cookydeacon
New Member
Diocese[br]of Camden[br]Class of 1999
Posts: 3
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Post by cookydeacon on Dec 3, 2013 10:19:50 GMT -5
I don't do very many committal services, I think in part because I am not "thought of".
Deacon Tim, I would be very much interested in how Bereavement group works in your parish (and any other parish). I am trying to put one together, but 1st the pastor wanted grief support group. I want to get to the basics leading to that support.
John
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Bill Grant
New Member
Diocese of[br]Owensboro, KY[br]Class of 2012
Posts: 1
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Post by Bill Grant on Dec 2, 2013 18:13:25 GMT -5
I have performed the Committal Service at least 20 of the 22 funerals that I participated in this last year. Two of the funerals, I was the only minister present. We have an aging congregation and I pastor/supervisor have a teamwork approach to funerals.
Deacon Bill Grant Owensboro Kentucky Diocese
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Post by Tim Killmeyer on Dec 2, 2013 10:57:11 GMT -5
While I don't often do committals for my own parish (though I do assist at many funeral Masses) I live near a large Catholic cemetery where many of the people who have "reserved" spaces there have moved elsewhere. So, when they die, their family brings them back here for burial, often after already having had a funeral where they last lived. So all they want is a committal service at the cemetery. So I will get calls from the folks who run the cemetery to help them out. Besides that, I will also get a call from one local priest or another who has two funerals to do in a day and might not get back from the cemetery after the first one in time to do the second. So they will ask me to go. I almost always go to assist at the funeral Mass as well so I'm not just shmoe standing at the cemetery when the family arrives.
In addition, I have been a part of our parish bereavement group since before I was in formation. They go to the funeral home the night before the funeral to conduct that prayer service and I still get called for each one. If I am available, I go and lead the prayers. That is a very special and committed group of people truly living the Corporal Work of Mercy to bury the dead. They make the parish family of the deceased present and bring great comfort to the blood family.
Tim
Tim
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Post by Tim Killmeyer on Dec 2, 2013 10:43:08 GMT -5
Just like before only now we are gauging committals. As always, there are many variables, but it might be interesting to check this again a few years down the road.
As always, your response to the poll itself remains anonymous, but you may leave an additional message to clarify, if you like.
Tim
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