The difference between DEKIN' and DEACON

On Saturday, June 15, 2013, Ron Demblowski was ordained as a Roman Catholic Deacon in an ordination service at St. Paul's Cathedral in Pittsburgh (the attached photo was snapped immediately after the service). During the service, Bishop David Zubik assigned Mr. Demblowski to serve at the parishes of Word of God and Madonna del Castello in Swissvale. The office of Deacon is earned through a long process. Candidates must demonstrate intelligence, determination and high character. The following piece was written by Ron Demblowski, for this blog, in anticipation of his ordination as a Deacon: 

"Dekin'" and "Deacon" are two words that sound so much alike, but they are very far apart in meaning. The first had its origin in ice hockey. It’s short for "decoy." It means to deceive an opponent by a fake. How very different than the word "deacon" (unless the opponent is Satan--not Miroslav Satan who used to play for the Penguins).

The name "deacon" comes from the Greek word diakonos meaning "servant." A Roman Catholic deacon is ordained for the ministry of service, assisting the Bishop with the needs of the faith community. Diaconal ministry includes a threefold ministry of Word, Sacrament, and charity.

As ministers of the Word, deacons proclaim the Gospel, preach, and teach in the name of the Church. As ministers of the Sacrament, deacons baptize, lead the faithful in prayer, witness marriages, and conduct wake and funeral services. As ministers of charity, deacons are leaders in identifying the needs of others and marshaling resources to meet those needs. Deacons are also dedicated to eliminating the injustices or inequities that cause such needs. But, no matter what specific functions a deacon performs, they flow from his sacramental identity. In other words, it is not only WHAT a deacon does, but WHO a deacon is, that is important.

By the time you read this on Sunday morning, June 16th, I will (God willing!) be an ordained deacon in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. I do not, however, know where I’ll be assigned. I’ll find that out on Saturday at the Ordination Mass. Deacons keep their jobs but are assigned to a parish for Word and Sacrament duties, and to a parish or institution for charity ministry. A deacon is not paid for his service. So, although I plan to continue to serve as a Catholic pastoral associate in Swissvale/Rankin, I may not be assigned to Madonna or Word of God parishes. Being "sent" by the Bishop is a very important part of being ordained.

I became a deacon in response to God’s call to serve His People. The call started when I was in 6th grade. I wanted to go to Mass; I wanted to learn about my religion. I went into the seminary to discern a vocation to the priesthood. God had other plans. No matter what I did, though, the call to diaconate resonated with me. Providentially, God’s Will brought me back to Pittsburgh just when the Bishop was calling another class of deacons 6 years ago.

I thank God for His love for me and for His People.

Pray for me that I will be a good "deacon" not good at "dekin'!"

(Sunday Reflections for June 16, 2013)