It’s rare to find the secular media taking on a topic like this: a columnist in a Connecticut paper is wondering why the suspended deacon program in his diocese (Norwich) remains on hold:

Back at the start of 2009, Michael Strammiello, director of communications for the diocese and the spokesman for Bishop Michael Cote, said the bishop wanted “to discern the needs and challenges of the local church and how the diaconate can best contribute to helping meet those needs.”

Occasionally questioned by readers or friends about what’s up with the deacon program – I’m Catholic – I called Strammiello for the latest. Told it remained suspended, I asked why. In essence, he said the bishop is still discerning.

“Given the vital importance of the program, the bishop has exercised a deliberate, collaborative and thoughtful consideration path,” Strammiello explained in a written response. “Our bishop is very close to this program and he will reset and reactivate the program according to his timing based on his holistic view of the diocese.”

Far be it for me to tell a bishop how to do his job, but you would think if something is of “vital importance” you might discern a bit faster.

That column a couple of years back generated quite a few e-mails, some from men interested in beginning or completing their deacon training, others from priests who said they could sure use the help. The diocese has 77 parishes, but only 56 active deacons.

Many deacons have jobs outside the church. Some are paid through parish finances; others receive only reimbursements for expenses, if that.

Variations in how parishes utilize and compensate deacons were among the motivations for stopping and reassessing the program. Strammiello said the diocese is going through significant changes, including restructuring and merging parishes. The goal is to develop the role of the deacon ministry in a way that complements the changing diocese, he said.

You can read more at the link. I know of some programs that have been suspended for even longer periods. Any thoughts?