In Cincinnati, Ohio, a group of deacons just celebrated a silver jubilee, with a 25th anniversary mass and some thoughts on both the ministry — as well as the unique role of the deacon’s wife:

Barry Mersmann, current director of the Diaconate Office, said some bishops across the country have said that a parish is incomplete without a deacon. Working as a team with a parish’s pastor, the deacon shows leadership in word, worship and charity by proclaiming and living the Gospel; assisting at Mass and presiding at baptisms, weddings and funerals; and helping people in times of need.

Mersmann expressed appreciation not only for the deacons’ service to the church, but also for the service of their wives and families.

The role of a deacon’s wife is “a supportive one. Deacons are going to be away from home a lot. Their wives have to be willing to support them in their ministry,” he said, adding that most of the deacons in the archdiocese are married.

Jan Martin, the wife of Deacon Rick Martin at Our Lady of Good Hope, agreed that the diaconate ministry “becomes part of your marriage.”

“I’m not the deacon, but I need to understand he might get a call in the middle of the night,” she said, adding that her husband’s presence in the community is a key element of his ministry. Not yet retired, he has been approached by people who wish to discuss a variety of personal concerns.

“That’s really the point of being a deacon,” she said. “Besides assisting at Mass, a deacon is out and visible within the community. They’re able to share their ministry out in the workforce and go out into the world to serve.”

Congratulations and prayers to you all! And thank you for helping to pave the way for the rest of us.

Photo: by E.L. Hubbard, from the Catholic Telegraph