Shedding a Little Light
“As the number of disciples continued to grow, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. So the Twelve called together the community of the disciples and said, ‘It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at table. Brothers, select from among you seven reputable men, filled with the Spirit and wisdom, whom we shall appoint to this task, whereas we shall devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.’ The proposal was acceptable to the whole community,” Acts 6:1-5
This passage from our first reading is considered to be the beginning of the Deaconate of our faith. The seven men who were chosen are the first Deacons of our faith and the Deaconate is such an important part of our church. It would be difficult if not impossible to minister to a parish as large as ours with only one or two priests. People and important tasks would certainly become neglected. At St. Brigid we are so fortunate to have a long history of Deacons, each one of them leaving a legacy of love and ministry after them. Even now we have six active Deacons working in our parish. They take care of so many things. They help run ministries, baptize babies, officiate at weddings, lead prayer at wake services, help guide and comfort parishioners in need, provide spiritual enrichment, etc. They do so much that it cannot all be listed here. They are men of God who do all these things and still devote themselves to their wives and children and grandchildren.
Let us give thanks and praise for the service of our Deacons: Bill Gibbons, Marcelino Hernandez, Rich Holevoet, Dennis Holley, Greg Krame, and Mike Mercure. Take time to pray for them by name. Take the time to thank them in person for how they serve the Lord and our community. We also have two more men in the deaconate program: Dan Strutzel will be ordained a Deacon this month! And Andrew Grzelak will be ordained a Deacon in May 2027. Pray for them as well and encourage them as they complete their studies and preparations.
Pray also for our retired Deacons: Louie Abboud, Jim Askew, Bob Ochsner, and John Richardson as well as those who have moved on to other parishes: Todd Benzschawel, Dennis Brown, Jeremy Carter, Dave Egan, Phil Horne, Mike Penich, Dan Simmet, and Dave Wagner. Also, pray for our Deacons that have already gone home to God: Joe Casey, Jim Gilles, Phil Fragassi, Kip Hogan, Max Jinkens, and Ed Tomkowiak.
Pray for those I may have forgotten and forgive me for their omission. Thank God for these men and pray for them and all the Deacons of our faith as they help us to …
Keep Living in the Light!