One of the regular bloggers over at America, Fr. Francis X. Clooney, S.J., has asked his parish deacon to “guest blog” for a couple weeks, to offer some personal insights into his life as a deacon and his ministry in the Church.

Deacon Michael Iwanowicz was ordained in the first class of permanent deacons in Boston in 1976 and serves at Our Lady of Sorrows in Sharon, MA. Here’s a snip from part one of his series:

I recognize that each day brings to light sadness and a measure of poignancy for those afflicted with tragedy in their personal life, and the frustration many in the church manifest concerning the changes wrought by the hierarchy or the lack of changes wrought by the hierarchy. Looking back to the 1970’s, I recall the wonder and awe of being ordained to the Permanent Diaconate by Cardinal Medeiros of Boston in 1976 – a change welcomed by some and disdained by others..
To what were we called, men with families and secular obligations, and how might we fit into the ministry of the church? A deacon is described in light of ‘servant’ ministry – as tradition cites the call of Stephen and Philip and the other five men to assist the disciples in the daily life of the community. (Acts 6).
Venturing forth, each member of that first class struggled with the challenge to balance family responsibilities, secular work, and ordained ministerial tasks. We all came to this point from a personal history that was unique and variegated….

[snip]

…And, now, looking back over the last 34 years of ordained ministry, I remember baptizing one of my nieces early on and now look ahead to presiding at her marriage ceremony this Fall.I remember preaching at funerals for my parents, a cousin, and other family members. I remember offering ‘words of remembrance’ at the funeral for my wife who died at the age of fifty. I remember praying at the graveside with parents who lost their second child – who lived for just two hours.

That’s just a taste. Check out the rest. And I’ll link to his second part when that’s posted, too.