Deacons putting diverse gifts to work in their communities
This the latest installment in a series of articles on the Permanent Diaconate:
In his book Understanding the Diaconate: Historical, Theological and Sociological Foundations, Bishop W. Shawn McKnight lays out a clear vision for the role of deacons in building-up the 21st-century Church.
He said deacons animate lay involvement while serving as ambassadors between a bishop and his diocese, between priests and parishes.
“Deacons are messengers. They are go-betweens, they are intermediaries,” he stated. “I see deacons as spiritual entrepreneurs in getting ministries started that are needed but currently don’t exist.”
Deacons also extend the ministry of the bishop and that of the priest in showing care and concern for whomever they meet, he stated.
Accordingly, the more than 90 active permanent deacons in the Jefferson City diocese carry their ministries into increasingly diverse environments, often moving beyond commonly understood parish structures.
Here are some examples:
Crisis and loss
Deacon Richard Telthorst, who assists the pastor of St. Peter Parish in Jefferson City, also serves as assistant chaplain to the Jefferson City Fire Department.
Bishop McKnight gave him permission to do so last September.
The Rev. Sam Powell, senior pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, serves as the department chaplain.
“Together, we minister to the spiritual needs of the department’s 75 firefighters stationed at five firehouses throughout the city,” said Deacon Telthorst.
The chaplains also respond to all residential fires that could result in residents being displaced.
“At the fire scene, we speak with the residents, obtain their contact information, and contact the American Red Cross to connect them with emergency shelter,” Deacon Telthorst stated.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to support the brave men and women who protect our city, and to provide comfort and care to residents who are in a sudden crisis and experiencing a tremendous personal loss,” he said.
Sickness and heath
Deacon Michael Berendzen, director of ministry and life of permanent deacons, who assists the pastor of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Taos, also serves as Coordinator of Columbia Catholic Hospital Ministry.
This involves overseeing the Catholic presence in multiple health care facilities: Boone Hospital Center, University of Missouri Hospital (including Missouri Orthopedic Institute, Missouri Psychiatric Center, and Women’s Hospital), Landmark Hospital, Rusk Rehabilitation Hospital, and Columbia Post-Acute.
“Through our ministry, a devoted team of lay ministers and priests and I visit Catholic patients and their families, provide Holy Communion for those who would like to receive it, arrange for the reception of the sacraments of Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick, and assist with any other needs that patients or families might have,” said Deacon Berendzen.
In the course of a day, those needs may range from providing a rosary to a patient or simply praying with them, and later in the day sitting with a family and providing comfort and support as their loved one is finishing his or her earthly journey.
“I have had the opportunity to spend time with patients who are coming to grips with a diagnosis or emergency situation and have helped them ponder, ‘Where is God in this?’” he said.
He has also been able to provide information and resources to Catholics who are a long way from home and suddenly find themselves or their loved one in a hospital in central Missouri.
“As my hospital ministry mentor, Deacon Gene Kazmierczak, would sometimes say, these hospitals are like a parish made up of people from throughout our diocese and beyond, and we have the opportunity to serve them,” he said.
He relishes being an agent of grace and mercy and a link between Catholic patients and the Sacraments that they, their families and health professionals wish to receive.
“I am reminded on a daily basis that as a deacon, I am there to serve others, to see Christ in them and to be Christ for them,” he said.
Diverse communities
Deacon Enrique Castro, who assists the pastor of St. Peter Parish in Jefferson City, also serves as full-time diocesan director of Hispanic and Intercultural Ministries and executive director of faith formation, including marriage preparation and family life.
In that role, he oversees “Evangelizando Juntos” (“Evangelizing Together”), a diocesan Hispanic ministry project carried-out by Hispanic deacons and led by the diocesan Hispanic Ministry office.
“The goal is to assist parishes in need of help as they serve our Hispanic brothers and sisters in their midst,” said Deacon Castro.
With the bishop’s permission, the deacons conduct Sunday Celebrations in the Absence of a Priest in Spanish in parishes when a Mass in Spanish cannot be provided, or assist the priest with the homilies.
“In addition, they help parishes identify ways to reach out and respond to the needs of the Hispanic community — such as sacramental and general catechetical formation, pastoral counseling, material assistance, communications,” he said.
Deacon Castro finds this ministry to be very rewarding.
“Working with pastors, priests, parishes and God’s people has been a blessing and a learning experience,” he stated.
“In addition, it has opened up our eyes to the challenging reality of our parishes when it comes to responding to the spiritual, sacramental and material needs of our Hispanic brothers and sisters,” he said.
The gift of time
Deacon John Hill, who assists the pastor of St. Pius X Parish in Moberly, is heavily involved in ministry to the residents of the Moberly Correctional Center (MCC).
“Prison Ministry is simply about being present to and encouraging those who have a desire to strengthen their faith, have lost their faith or are trying to find something to believe in,” Deacon Hill stated.
He spends Sunday mornings between Masses, and Tuesday and Thursday evenings at the MCC.
His wife, Margaret, and he have also helped with several Residents Encounter Christ weekend retreats.
“What I have received is a wonderful opportunity to be surrounded by Catholic and Christian men and women who have every opportunity to lose hope but have found a way of growing their faith — even in the restrictive, hampered environment they are in,” Deacon Hill stated.
“The strength of their faith always inspires me to be a better husband, father, grandfather, friend and deacon,” he said.
“In short — a better disciple of Christ.”
Ministry of presence
Deacon John Schwartze, who assists the pastor of Cathedral of St. Joseph Parish in Jefferson City and serves as director of deacon formation for the diocese, spends time with residents of a local nursing home.
Deacon Schwartze didn’t give much thought to nursing home ministry until Deacon James Kliethermes asked him to join him where he was actively ministering.
“In watching Deacon Jim, I saw the beauty of the ministry in how he brought Our Lord to the residents through the Blessed Sacrament and in the Liturgy of the Word,” Deacon Schwartze recalled.
He wound up taking over the ministry when Deacon Kliethermes retired.
“It has been rewarding to facilitate the spiritual care for the Catholic residents, but also for anyone who wants to join us,” Deacon Schwartze stated.
He enjoys interacting with the residents and sharing the Gospel message.
“I also try to know everyone by first name, including the staff that I interface with,” he said.
Of course, there are also the moments when he’s called on to be with the family as their loved one nears death.
“I take great solace in being able to facilitate the administering of the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick by one of our wonderful priests,” he said.
Deacon Schwartze finds deep satisfaction in honoring the Lord with his service.
“There is also great reward in the smiles that I get from the residents and from their heartfelt ‘thank you,’” he said.
Access to justice
Deacon Dan Joyce, who assists the pastor of Cathedral of St. Joseph Parish in Jefferson City, provides pro bono legal services through the Samaritan Center Legal Care program.
Legal Care offers non-criminal legal assistance to qualifying low-income residents in Cole, Boone, Callaway, Miller, Osage and Moniteau counties.
Deacon Joyce got involved in the ministry about 10 years ago.
Since then, has been donating five to 10 hours per month, helping clients with civil law matters such as divorce, guardianship, driver’s license suspension, and consumer law and landlord tenant issues.
“Deacons are called to serve, using the talents we have, giving our time to meet the needs of our brothers and sisters,” Deacon Joyce noted.
Last year, he began offering legal consultation services once a month to clients of El Puente-Hispanic Ministry at its office in Jefferson City, and recently at its California office on the grounds of Annunciation Church.
The clients are new immigrants who need guidance navigating the legal system.
Cases have involved workplace treatment issues, domestic violence, or needed advice regarding divorce or help with traffic offenses.
El Puente has a cooperative agreement with Samaritan Center to provide legal services for qualifying clients and provides translation for Spanish-speakers.
“I feel blessed to be able to use my knowledge to help people and families navigate what sometimes can seem like an endless maze of laws and legal processes which they have to deal with,” said Deacon Joyce.
