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Does anyone know who the Eparchy of Passaic deacon candidates are for this new class? Haven't heard a thing about them, and they should be in formation already.

To all the previously mentioned candidates - congratulations and prayers for the continued blessings of God on you and your families and parishes.

Slava Isusu Christu!
Glenn

Glenn,
I believe that there are no candidates from the Eparchy of Passaic at the diaconate program at the Seminary in Pittsburgh.

It is my understanding that Bishop Andrew has his own program he sends his diaconate candidates to.


David

Well, why not? At least he's consistent. When he was bishop of Parma, he didn't send his seminarians to the Byzantine seminary in Pittsburgh, either!

Well--There is no permanent diaconate class for Passaic. Formation of one was announced and 5 men applied (including one from my parish). It was not deemed enough to have a class and was cancelled.

But thou O Lord, how long?

John,

Why not send the guy to the Pittsburgh program?

Joe

I think you need to ask the bishop this question.


David

John K. can have the honor.

I'll pass.

But I don't don't understand how 5 men aren't "worth it." Having anyone to help serve is better than having no one to serve and having to close parishes.

Again, But Thou O Lord, how long?

John K wrote:

Ditto!

Glenn

How is this 4 year program handled? Is 4 years of classes much like a university or is it evening classes, weekend retreats, two weeks a year of intense cources, etc?

Glory to Jesus Christ!

The start of the next Passaic Deacon Formation class has been delayed until next year (not cancelled, etc). It is hoped that additional men will discern a vocation for the deaconate and contact the vocations office of the Eparchy. The first deacon class for Passaic has been extremely successful, with 15 candidates being ordained starting this summer.

We are all asked to pray for vocations, for deacons and for priests. I would kindly ask that those who raise questions about any of the particulars and motivations of this program spend at least an equivalent amount of time in prayer for vocations for our Church.

My prayers are with you,
Deacon El

I pray for growth in the Diaconate in both the Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches. The presence of a Deacon in the Liturgy is a blessing. It is a great calling to serve in this capacity.

Justinian wrote:
I agree! I had the opportunity recently to attend my first Vespers with a deacon present, and it was beautiful. I just got a copy of our Ordo and the role of the deacon in the Liturgy is impressive. My church will have its first deacon ordained next week, and I can't wait till the following Sunday - the Liturgy will be even more wonderous than it is now (if such a thing is possible ).

Deacon El wrote:

Amen! There is nothing more important for the life of the Church. No vocations = no Mysteries = no healing of God's people = no healing of society.

Heavenly Father, Your Divine Son taught us to pray to the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into His vineyard. We earnestly beg You to bless our Eparchy, our Metropolia, and our world with many priests and religious who will love You fervently, and gladly and courageously spend their lives in service to Your Son�s Church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We pray that their lives may always be centered on our Lord Jesus and that they may be devoted sons and daughters of Mary, the Mother of God, and our Mother, in making You known and loved and that all may attain Heaven. Bless our families and our children and choose from our homes and our parish those whom you desire for this holy work. We ask this in Jesus� name. Amen!