By Mary Grieco
Catholic Herald correspondent
Dick Meier ordained to permanent diaconate
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Bishop Raphael M. Fliss poses for a photo with newly ordained Deacon Dick Meier and his family. Pictured are son Scott and daughter-in-law Tina Meier, left, Bishop Fliss, Mary Meier holding grandson Seth Sousek, father-in-law Ken Podvin, Dick holding grandson Zachary Sousek, mother Ann Meier, daughter Jenni Sousek, daughter Sarah Meier, and father Clarence Meier. (Photo by Mary Grieco) |
RHINELANDER -- "The day I heard in church that the permanent diaconate was being reinstated, I started thinking about it," said Dick Meier, "but it took me a long time to get organized and slow down and take the time to do this." On Aug. 20 he was ordained before family and friends at St. Joseph Church.
A strong message of serving others was evident throughout the liturgy. "One another -- how important that term is in Christian life," said Bishop Raphael M. Fliss in his homily. "As ordained ministers we must serve the needs of all. You know, Dick, that God shepherds his people through us as we care for one another. You will be truly an asset for all of us."
Meier plans to focus much of his ministry on social concerns. While he hopes to help coordinate some new outreach efforts, he will continue taking the Eucharist to the homebound. For the last 18 years, residents at a local nursing home have looked forward to his Sunday morning visits and prayers.
In a couple of years Meier plans to retire from the USDA Forest Service, where his doctorate in forest genetics has taken him on assignments in several national forests. Although his retirement will likely include an ample dose of hunting and fishing, he is looking forward to his new ministry and hopes that his work will help "build community" and meet the needs of many.
To emphasize the importance of his commitment to serve, a bookmark with words to "The Servant Song" was included in his ordination program, and deacons and deacon candidates came forward to sing that song after Communion.
Throughout his years of preparation for ordination, his wife, Mary, gave her enthusiastic support. They attended classes together and see this as a time that strengthened their marriage as well as their faith.
"We shared so much time and so many conversations. We learned a lot about communication," Mary said.
"The wisdom of Bishop Fliss to allow and encourage and address the wives in this program is vital to its success," she continued. "I know where Dick is coming from, and I know the learning that is behind it. I think sometimes a wife can help clarify feelings. You both grow."
"The up-side of being gone so many weekends is the time you spend together that you never would have otherwise taken," Dick added. "Not only did I get trained, but she is behind me and understands my training."
Both said they were impressed with the caliber of the instructors in the diaconate program. "I started out really naive, having come out of a science background," Dick noted. "This has created a huge depth to my religion."
Church history had a particular impact, and Dick said he was especially fascinated by the lives of the apostles. Perhaps one of the reasons he could relate so well is his passion for fishing. The story of the loaves and the fishes might also hold special significance, as the new deacon has a talent for baking bread and often shares his bounty.
Dick also continues to share his love and respect for the outdoors with friends and family. The Meiers have four adult children and two grandchildren who benefit from his insights.
Whether he is working on a project in the forest or helping in parish ministry, the new deacon has a zeal for life and is grateful to the many people who have encouraged him along the way. In his closing remarks at the ordination liturgy, he thanked his parents and other family members, as well as his parish family and other friends, saying, "You have all been examples that got me here today."
© Superior Catholic Herald, 2000