By Mary Grieco
Catholic Herald correspondent

Phelps parishoners welcome new deacon

PHELPS -- Well before Norman Mesun was ordained a deacon at St. Mary Parish on June 30, he was living a life service to his community and his church.

In opening comments to the capacity crowd at the ordination celebration, Bishop Raphael M. Fliss referred to Mesun's dedication as a fireman for over 20 years and his work as a medical first responder. The Bishop brought a smile to everyone's face when he commented, "None of us about to participate in today's liturgy needs to worry about getting sick or about fires, because Norm has spent so many years as a volunteer par excellence. I feel so safe with Norm here."

Now, as an ordained permanent deacon, Mesun is ready to continue a life of service to an even fuller extent. Although the new deacon is not yet sure what direction his ministry will take, the Bishop assured him that he will have no problem finding enough to do. A builder by trade, Mesun says he may also find a way to use those talents in his ministry.

It was 16 years ago that Mesun completed the RCIA program and came into full communion with the Catholic Church, and since then he has been active in many areas of his parish. "This has been coming on for a long time," he said of his call to the deaconate. "When Saint Mary's was becoming a cluster, I started to think that I could do a little more to help as a deacon."

"What a wonderful experience," he said of the deaconate program. "Some people ask why it takes so long (he started in the fall of 1997), but it is more than just a learning process; it is a formation process."

Throughout the program, he had the dedicated support of Kathleen, his wife of 31 years, who attended most of the classes with him. Also giving encouragement were their sons, Mark and Robert.

Several friends, relatives and fellow deacons participated in the ordination liturgy. Concelebrating with Fliss were Fr. Robert Koszarek, supervising pastor of St. Mary, and Fr. William Speerstra, former pastor.

Members of the other cluster parishes (St. Albert in Land O'Lakes and St. Peter the Fisherman in Eagle River) were also involved, including a joint choir.

"Wow! What a celebration," Mesun said at the end of the liturgy. "Who would have imagined that God would pick me. But this isn't about me; it is about serving God and the church."

The list of people he thanked for walking with him on his journey was long. And when he had finished, parish director Pat Pintens added one more. "Thank you, Norm, for listening to the voice of God and saying yes."

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© Superior Catholic Herald, 2002