I got a heads-up the other day from no less than two people that the Archdiocese of Indianapolis is about to make a little history, ordaining its very first class of deacons.

Twenty five men will receive the sacrament of Holy Orders next weekend, on June 28th.

The new crop of Hoosier deacons has an impressive website, with interesting links to articles about the deacons, along with profiles of the men, and a listing of their new assignments. Interestingly, the deacons will be assigned not only to parishes, but to specific places or organizations where they will also exercise their ministry of charity.

The Archbishop seems to have a beautiful grasp of the diaconate, and its charism. And it looks like he truly values the contribution they will make to his Church.

(Among other things, on the Archdiocese’s webpage, there is a menu bar that lists “staff,” with a drop down for priests, deacon candidates and seminarians. Which shows, I think, both the importance of Holy Orders to the people, and the esteem in which the archbishop holds these men.)

God bless you guys. I’ll be keeping you all in my prayers as you mark this amazing milestone in your archdiocese!