By A.M. Kelley
Superior Catholic Herald
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On May 22 at St. Patrick Church in Hudson Bishop Raphael M. Fliss ordains Gregg Miller to the permanent diaconate while acolyte Stephan Brinsko looks on during the part of the ceremony called the "laying on of hands." (Catholic Herald photo by A.M. Kelley) |
HUDSON -- Bishop Raphael M. Fliss ordained Gregg Miller into the permanent diaconate on May 22 at St. Patrick Church in Hudson.
With his wife, mother, four daughters, son-in-law, granddaughter and many priests and deacons looking on, Miller became the 64th man ordained by Fliss since 1986, the year the Superior Diocese welcomed its first permanent deacons.
Expressing pride in all diocesan deacons during the ceremony, Fliss reminded Miller that the first ones were chosen by the Twelve Apostles to perform works of charity.
Miller was required to pledge obedience to the Bishop and promise to fulfill the duties of the office. Fliss then repeated something he tells every newly ordained man: "The order is for the people you will serve in the years ahead."
Everyone in the congregation prayed for Miller and sang the litany of the saints while he lay prostrate on the floor in front of the altar.
His wife, Jane Ann, and mother, Gert Miller, gave a stole to Fr. Peter Szleszinski who draped it over Miller's shoulders, and Deacon Bernie Drevnick presented him with the book of Gospels before all the deacons and priests in attendance greeted Miller with a "kiss of peace."
Miller spoke a few words at the ceremony's close thanking his mother for teaching him how to pray and to his family for their support. He also mentioned the four long years of study that caused him to postpone many activities -- like hunting -- and made a special and emotional apology to his hunting buddy thanking him for his patience. Miller
joins the ranks of deacons, which has a short history in the diocese, according to Tim Kuehn, director of the permanent diaconate and lay ministry formation programs. It began shortly after Fliss became coadjutor bishop to Bishop George A. Hammes in 1979. One of his first assignments was to develop a permanent diaconate program. Fliss announced the program in 1980 with these words: "It is my hope and prayer that a good number of men, either married or single, will come forward to participate in this program of service."
That has been the case, according to Kuehn, who was hired in 1985 to be the assistant to Fr. Dennis Mullen, then the diaconate program's director. There are currently 19 more men studying in the program. Their home parishes pay for their educations and the minimum age for consideration is 30.
Kuehn said diocesan deacons are from all walks of life. There's a farmer, dentist, salesman, plumber, and numerous who have retired from military or educational careers.
Five of the deacons ordained by Fliss have passed away and a few deacons currently serving in the diocese were ordained elsewhere and transferred here.
Most parishes now have deacons and their duties are as diverse as their backgrounds. Some deacons teach religious education or train acolytes. Others prepare couples for marriage or work with the divorced and separated, and help couples prepare annulments. Deacons visit the homebound, elderly, hospitalized and those in penal institutions. Some serve on pastoral councils and liturgical committees. Others act as liturgical ministers, perform baptisms, weddings and serve at wake services or give homilies.
Miller gave his first homily the day after his ordination and then prepared for his formal introduction to his parish during a Memorial Day weekend Mass.
© Superior Catholic Herald, 2006