From Deacon John`s Desk - Archdiocese of Milwaukee

Issue 25
Summer 2016
Archdiocese of Milwaukee
Archbishop Cousins Catholic Center
From Deacon John’s Desk
Inside this
issue:
From Deacon John’s Desk
1
Aspirancy explained
2
Aspirantado explicado
3
News / Noticias
4
John Paul II recalled
"Deacons, both
married and celibate,
to serve God's People
by their witness to the
gospel value of
sacrificial love, a
quality of life too
easily dismissed in
today's society."
For those whom the
Lord calls and whose
lives' give such a
witness, the ODF is
the place to continue
your journey.
(NDPD, 30)
Dear Friends of the Diaconate,
Well this has certainly been a warmer than normal summer, perhaps that’s because we
have been so busy here in the ODF! We are feverishly preparing for the September 10, 2016
ordination of five men, all holy servants to be consecrated as deacons for the Archdiocese.
Archbishop Listecki will lay hands on Theodore Faust, Steve Pemper, Henry Reyes, Joseph
Senglaub and James Starke, forever changing their lives and love into the visible service of
Jesus Christ!
As we always do when we send men off into ministry, we bring in more “...laborers for
the harvest…”, and this year’s aspirant class is larger than we’ve had in some time. I believe
it is the fruit and success of our recruitment effort “I’m a deacon and…” launched in the Fall
of 2015 which brought in fifteen wonderful men and their wives to comprise the future
deacon class of 2020. This Aspirant class comes to us from all around the archdiocese and
from all walks of life, careers, family and ministry experiences. They are a true reflection of
the local church of today. They are as an aggregate, a mature and highly energetic group with
an average age in the mid to upper fifties who burn to serve the People of God, sharing in the
Archbishop’s diaconal ministry to make Christ present in service. We here in the Office are
excited to help them begin their journey of discernment and formation!
For the very first time, five of our first year deacon-candidates said “Hola” to the
parishioners of La Sagrada Familia, our sister parish in the Dominican Republic. These men
were the very first to have their societal field placement occur outside of the Archdiocese.
They experienced the sights, culture, spirituality, poverty, joy, simplicity and hope of our island
brothers and sisters. It was a successful and powerfully transformational experience for our
servants-in-training to be exposed to a lifestyle, environment, language and experience of
church so vastly different from the affluent culture in the United States. The remaining four
men in formation did their societal placements here, ministering to people with: H.I.V./Aids, in
urban housing settings, and at “truck stops” along the I-94 interstate. Collectively they each
were transformed by the people, their lives, and the situations into which they were invited.
Each discovering—it is in moments of diakonia that love become service and Christ is visible!
Dcn. John Ebel,
Director
LOCATION:
Archbishop Cousins Catholic Center
3501 South Lake Drive
PO Box 070912
Milwaukee, WI 53207-0912
Information: 414-758-2202
Español: 414-758-2207
Our staff:
Deacon. John A. Ebel, Director
414-758-2212; ebelj@archmil.org
Manuel Maldonado (Español), Associate Director
414-758-2207; maldonadom@archmil.org
Charmaine Pfeifer, Administrative Assistant
414-758-2202; pfeiferc@archmil.org
Page 2
Aspirancy Explained (from the National Directory for the formation of deacons)
II. The Dimensions of Formation in the Aspirant Path
188. At the aspirant level in formation, the following objectives are
to be highlighted. These are presented in greater detail in Chapter
Three, “Dimensions in the Formation of Deacons.”
Human Dimension
189. In his post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Pastores Dabo
Vobis, Pope John Paul II quoted Proposition 21 of the 1990
Extraordinary Synod of Bishops: “The whole work of priestly
formation would be deprived of its necessary foundation if it lacked
a suitable human formation.”10 In a similar way, the same may be
said about the human dimension of diaconal formation. The goal of
a “suitable human dimension” is to help the deacon develop “his
human personality in such a way that it becomes a bridge and not an
obstacle for others in their meeting with Jesus Christ.” 11
190. The aspirant path in formation is also a time for a married
aspirant and his wife to assess the quality of their relationship and
consider the ramifications of his possible ordination to the diaconate
for their married life. For the single aspirant, it is a time to discern
his capacity and receptivity for celibacy.
Spiritual Dimension
191. The aspirant path of formation must create an environment in
which the individual is encouraged to grow in his personal
relationship with Christ and in his commitment to the Church and its
mission in the world. The goal of spiritual formation is “putting on
the mind of Christ,” thereby establishing and nurturing attitudes,
habits, and practices that provide a foundation for the development
of an authentic and ongoing spiritual life.
192. Although the fact that the wife of the married aspirant is not
seeking ordination is clearly understood, nevertheless, their
marriage and family are involved in the discernment of his diaconal
vocation. The aspirant and his wife need to realistically assess how
her own life, Church service, and family are affected and respected.
The enrichment and deepening of the reciprocal and sacrificial love
between husband and wife constitutes perhaps the most meaningful
way the wife of the aspirant is involved in the discernment of her
husband’s vocation.12
193. The aspirant formation community plays a significant role in
spiritual formation. The aspirant path should include the following:
a. Regular celebration of the Eucharist, Liturgy of the Hours, and
the Sacrament of Reconciliation
b. Time scheduled for private prayer, meditation, and lectio divina
c. Devotions to the Virgin Mary and saints
d. Conferences and workshops on the meaning of authentic
obedience, celibacy, and simplicity of life
e. Conferences on a Christian witness in both matrimonial and
celibate life to the Church and world
f. An understanding and appreciation of the diaconal vocation,
with an ability to articulate this call through the primary
ministries of word, liturgy, and charity
g. An introduction and experience of the spiritual writings of our
Catholic tradition
194. The aspirant’s spiritual director is critical to the formation
process. This priest, who is to be approved by the bishop, must be
well trained and knowledgeable about the diaconate. The spiritual
director accompanies, supports, and challenges the aspirant in his
ongoing conversion. The spiritual director assists the aspirant in his
relationship with God and his understanding that it is Christ who
“calls,” the Church that affirms his diaconal vocation, and the
bishop who responds to that affirmation by the imposition of hands.
195. As collaborators in discerning the readiness of the aspirant to
move into candidate formation, the parish and its pastor also should
accompany the aspirant and his family through their prayers,
support, and presence. In the aspirant path in formation, the parish
is the primary place to observe the aspirant’s relational skills and
his practice in pastoral service. The pastor, therefore, is to provide
an assessment of the aspirant and his family. This assessment will
further enable the formation staff to support and challenge the
aspirant’s discernment of his readiness to move into candidate
formation.
Intellectual Dimension
196. The objectives and content for intellectual formation at the
aspirant level should communicate a deeper knowledge of the faith
and church tradition than the aspirant has already attained. It would
be appropriate to promote an in-depth and systematic study of the
Catechism of the Catholic Church, and to introduce the traditions of
Catholic philosophy, spirituality, and doctrine, especially the
doctrinal understanding of the diaconate, and the threefold ministry
of the deacon. The aspirant also should be taught how to participate
in a theological reflection group and how to develop his ability to
apply the Church’s teaching on moral matters, including her social
teaching, to the pressing moral questions that emerge in pastoral
ministry. Such intellectual pursuits assist those responsible for
formation in assessing the aspirant’s readiness for the academic
rigors of candidate formation. Further, he should be made aware of
the needs of the people of the diocesan Church, as well as of his
own parish, and be made to understand diakonia as a descriptive
word for the mission of the Church in the world. Workshops on
family issues, personal health, time management, caregiving skills,
and married and celibate spirituality all contribute to an aspirant’s
human, spiritual, and intellectual formation.
Pastoral Dimension
197. The focus of the pastoral dimension in the aspirant path in
formation is ultimately the discernment of the aspirant’s gifts for
the threefold ministry of word, liturgy, and charity, and of his
capacity to make a lifelong commitment to these ministries. It also
enables an assessment of his wife and family in their readiness to
give consent and support to his vocation and ministry. Pastoral
formation should introduce the aspirant to the practical services
provided by the diocesan Church. Pastoral placements, matched to
the aspirant’s experience and need, allow an exploration of core
issues regarding charity and the social dimension of the Gospel as
confronted by the diocesan Church. Exemplary deacons, approved
by the bishop, should serve as mentors inviting the aspirant to
accompany, observe, co-minister, and reflect upon the specific
diaconal ministries experienced.13 Appropriate ecumenical pastoral
experiences should be considered and implemented as opportunities
emerge. Opportunities should also be provided, when possible, for
involvement with the Jewish community and with representatives
of other religions.
Page 3
Aspirantado Explicado (del Directorio Nacional para la Formación de diáconos)
II. Dimensiones del itinerario formativo del aspirante
188. Durante la formación del aspirante, se destacarán los
siguientes objetivos. Éstos se presentan en mayor detalle en el
Capítulo Tres, “Dimensiones en la formación de diáconos.”
Dimensión Humana
189. En su Exhortación Apostólica postsinodal Pastores Dabo
Vobis, el papa Juan Pablo II citó la Proposición 21 del Sínodo
Extraordinario de Obispos de 1990: “Sin una adecuada
formación humana, toda la formación sacerdotal estaría privada
de su fundamento necesario.”10 Lo mismo podríamos decir
sobre la dimensión humana del diaconado. El objetivo de una
“dimensión humana adecuada” es ayudar al diácono a desarrollar
“su personalidad humana de manera que sirva de puente y no de
obstáculo a los demás en el encuentro con Jesucristo.”11
190. El itinerario de formación del aspirante es también el
momento adecuado para que un aspirante casado y su esposa
evalúen la calidad de su relación y las ramificaciones de la
posible ordenación del aspirante al diaconado para su vida
marital. Para el aspirante soltero, es un momento para discernir
su capacidad y receptividad para el celibato.
Dimensión espiritual
191. El itinerario de formación del aspirante debe crear un
ambiente que invite al individuo a crecer en su relación personal
con Cristo y en su compromiso con la Iglesia y su misión en el
mundo. La meta de la formación espiritual es “revestirse de la
mente de Cristo,” estableciendo y nutriendo así actitudes, hábitos
y prácticas que sirvan de base para el desarrollo de una vida
espiritual auténtica y creciente.
192. Aun cuando se entiende claramente que la esposa del
aspirante casado no espera ser ordenada, sin embargo, el
matrimonio y la familia de ambos forman parte del
discernimiento de la vocación diaconal del aspirante. El aspirante
y su esposa necesitan sopesar de una manera realista cómo la
vida de ella, el servicio a la Iglesia y su familia serán afectados y
respetados. El enriquecimiento y profundización del amor
recíproco y sacrificado entre el esposo y la esposa constituyen
quizás el aspecto más significativo de la participación de la
esposa del aspirante en el discernimiento de la vocación de su
esposo.12
193. La comunidad de formación del aspirante tiene una función
muy importante en su formación espiritual. El itinerario del
aspirante debe incluir lo siguiente:
a. Celebración regular de la Eucaristía, la Liturgia de las Horas
y el Sacramento de Reconciliación
b. Tiempo asignado para oración privada, meditación y lectio
divina
c. Devociones a la Virgen María y a los santos
d. Conferencias y talleres sobre el significado de la auténtica
obediencia, el celibato y la vida sencilla
e. Conferencias sobre testimonio cristiano tanto en el
matrimonio como en el celibato, a la Iglesia y al mundo
f. Comprensión y apreciación de la vocación diaconal, y
capacidad de expresar este llamado mediante los ministerios
primarios de la palabra, la liturgia y la caridad
g. Introducción y experiencia de los escritos espirituales de
nuestra tradición Católica.
194. El director espiritual del aspirante es indispensable en el
proceso de formación. El sacerdote, quien debe ser aprobado por el
obispo, debe estar bien capacitado e informado sobre el Diaconado. El
director espiritual acompaña, apoya y anima al aspirante durante su
formación continua. El director espiritual ayuda al aspirante en su
relación con Dios y a comprender que es Cristo quien “llama”, la
Iglesia quien afirma su vocación diaconal, y el obispo quien responde
a esa afirmación con la imposición de manos.
195. Como colaboradores en el discernimiento de la preparación del
aspirante para pasar a ser candidato para la formación, la parroquia y
el párroco también deben acompañar al aspirante y a su familia con
sus oraciones, apoyo y presencia. Durante el itinerario de formación
del aspirante, la parroquia es el sitio principal para observar la
habilidad del aspirante en sus relaciones y en su práctica de servicio
pastoral. El párroco, por lo tanto, debe suministrar una evaluación del
aspirante y su familia. Esta evaluación permitirá al personal de
evaluación ayudar y animar al aspirante a discernir si está listo para
iniciar su formación como candidato.
Dimensión intelectual
196. Los objetivos y el contenido de la formación intelectual en el
nivel del aspirantado deben comunicar un conocimiento de la fe y de
la tradición de la Iglesia más profundo del que el aspirante ya haya
adquirido. Es conveniente fomentar un estudio profundo y sistemático
del Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica, y presentar las tradiciones de la
filosofía, la espiritualidad y la doctrina católicas, especialmente el
significado doctrinal del Diaconado y el triple ministerio del diácono.
El aspirante debe también aprender a participar en grupos de reflexión
teológica y a desarrollar su capacidad de aplicar las enseñanzas de la
Iglesia a asuntos morales, incluyendo su doctrina social, a las
apremiantes cuestiones morales que surgen en el ministerio pastoral.
Tales inquietudes intelectuales ayudan a los responsables de la
formación a evaluar la preparación del aspirante para los rigores de la
formación del candidato. Él debe además aprender a reconocer las
necesidades de las gentes de la iglesia diocesana al igual que las de su
propia parroquia, y conocer el término diaconía para describir la
misión de la Iglesia en el mundo. Talleres sobre asuntos familiares,
salud personal, administración del tiempo, aptitudes de proveedores de
cuidados, y espiritualidad para casados y célibes, contribuyen a la
formación humana, espiritual e intelectual, del aspirante.
Dimensión Pastoral
197. El objetivo final de la dimensión pastoral en el itinerario de
formación del aspirante es discernir los dones del aspirante para el
triple ministerio de la palabra, la liturgia y la caridad, y su capacidad
de hacer un compromiso de por vida a estos ministerios. También
permite evaluar si su esposa y su familia están dispuestas a aceptar y
apoyar su vocación y ministerio. La formación pastoral debe mostrar
al aspirante los servicios prácticos que ofrece la Iglesia diocesana. Las
posiciones pastorales que se ajusten a la experiencia y a las
necesidades del aspirante, permiten una exploración de los asuntos de
mayor importancia que confronta la Iglesia diocesana relacionados con
la dimensión caritativa y social del Evangelio. Diáconos ejemplares,
aprobados por el obispo, deben servir como mentores, invitando al
aspirante a acompañar, observar, co-administrar y reflexionar sobre los
ministerios diaconales específicos que haya experimentado.13 Una
experiencia pastoral ecuménica apropiada debe considerarse e
implementarse cuando surja la oportunidad. También se deben ofrecer
oportunidades, cuando sea posible, de participar con la comunidad
judía y con representantes de otras religiones.
Page 4
Sagrada Familia: A new experience of mission
As part of the formation process, our candidates need to participate
in two large ministry experiences. These experiences are in the area
of social service and parish pastoral service. This year, working with
the Office of World Mission and our sister parish in the Dominican
Republic, we began a new immersion program. This program
consisted of having an experience of mission in the Sagrada Familia
(Holy Family) Parish, and discovering the different projects and
ministries offered, in addition to knowing the reality of our brothers
and sisters.
Some of our candidates had their experiences here in our
Archdiocese, serving in places like Richard's Place, Elena's House,
S.E.T. Ministries and Truck Stop Ministry, and others went on this
mission trip. Each of them had a different experience encountering
Christ in those whom they served, both here and in the Dominican
Republic.
Thanks to the Office of World Mission, and to the staff of La Sagrada
Familia parish: Pastor Fr. Esteban and Associate Pastor Fr. Juan
Manuel for their support and dedication. Here are some pictures from
this experience.
Water and latrine projects
Proyectos de agua y letrinas
La Sagrada Familia Parish
Our Candidates with Fr. Esteban and Fr. Juan Manuel
Mass at one of the communities, their chapel is under
construction now
Parroquia La Sagrada Familia
NUestros Candidatos con el P. Esteban y P. Juan Manuel
Misa en una de las comunidades, su capilla esta siendo
contruida
Page 5
Sagrada Familia: Una nueva experiencia de misión
Como parte de la formación, nuestros candidatos necesitan participar
de dos grandes experiencia de ministerio. Estas experiencias son en el
área de servicio social y servicio pastoral parroquial. Este año, y
trabajando en conjunto con la Oficina de World Mission y nuestra
parroquia hermana en República Dominicana, comenzamos un nuevo
programa de inmersión. Este programa consistió en tener una
experiencia de misión en la Parroquia la Sagrada Familia y conocer los
diferentes proyectos y ministerios que se ofrecen, además de conocer
la realidad de nuestros hermanos y hermanas.
Algunos de nuestros candidatos tuvieron sus experiencias aquí en
nuestra arquidiócesis, sirviendo en lugares como Richard’s Place,
Elena’s House, Set Ministries and Truck Stop y otros fueron a este
viaje de misión. Cada uno de ellos, tuvo una experiencia diferente de
encuentro con Cristo en aquellos a quienes sirvieron, tanto aquí como
en Republica dominicana.
Gracias a la Oficina de World Mission, a la Parroquia la Sagrada
Familia y sus pastores P. Esteban y P. Juan Manuel por su apoyo y
dedicación. Aquí algunas fotos de esta experiencia.
Left: Visits to the Communities and Clinic
Above: Child Ministry, cleaning Chapel with the Parish
Youth Group
Izquierda: Visistando las comunidades y la clínica
Arriba: Ministerio de niños y limpieza de capilla con los
jóvenes de la parroquia
Page 6
Child Care, Bakery and Physical Therapy Clinic
St. Vincent de Paul projects
Cuido de niños, Panadería y Clinica de terapia física
Proyectos de San Vicente de Paúl
Our web address is:
http://www.archmil.org/offices/Diaconate.htm