the eacon archatl - archdiocese of atlanta … · 2017-02-11 · the eacon archatl.com nate in the...

1

The Beacon ArchAtl.com

nate in the United

States. This will be

happening in New

Orleans.

I pray that all of you

will have a wonderful

2017, filled with the

blessing of good

health, fruitful minis-

try and peace in your

heart and your

home.

Please be sure to

check the list of up-

coming events in the

Archdiocese that

pertain to our dea-

cons. They are

listed later in the

Beacon!

Know that I am here

to serve you and that

you are in my pray-

ers.

Please keep our en-

tire community in

prayer!

Sincerely in Christ,

Deacon Dennis

My Dear

Brothers,

In the

words of

St. Fran-

cis, as it

is written

he greet-

ed all he

encountered, The

Lord give you peace!

We are in this new

year of 2017 and it

has started off very

quickly.

Our pre-ordination

retreat was at the

monastery in Cull-

man the week of

January 8th and it

was a blessed time

of prayer and reflec-

tion for all of us. The

Rite of Candidacy

and the Institutions

of Reader and Aco-

lyte were held at St.

Philip Benizi on the

18th and Ordination

is coming quickly on

February 4th at the

Cathedral.

It is such a great

privilege to be a part

of these special

events in the life of

our Deacons and the

men in Formation. It

is humbling to recall

the same liturgies

happening in our

own lives and a con-

stant reminder of our

call to this amazing

vocation of Deacon.

We are a little be-

hind in getting out

the annual survey for

diaconal assign-

ments and that will

be happening before

the end of the

month. If you are

thinking that a

change would be in

order this is the time

to share that with us

via the survey.

In this issue please

take note of the in-

formation on the

2018 gathering of

deacons for the cele-

bration of the 50th

anniversary of the

restoration of the

Permanent Diaco-

I N S I D E T H I S

I S S U E :

Formation

2

Pray for Us

Dates

3

NADD 4

Tax

Information

6

Q & A 7

Polo Shirts 8

NDICE 10

Wives Day

of

reflection

12

Looking

for a few

good men

13

J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7

A R C H D I O C E S E

O F A T L A N T A

P E R M A N E N T

D E A C O N A T E

Published quarterly

2401 Lake Park

Drive Smyrna, GA

30080

404-920-7325 F

404.920.7326

2


P A G E 2

Formation Forum Penny Simmons

“We are in Ordinary

Time! As a church we enter

this time of watchful expecta-

tion.

Just as in the church

year, this is not a time in Di-

aconate Formation that is

‘ordinary’. It is in fact, a very

busy, special time of watchful

expectation.

We have been prepar-

ing to begin Diaconate For-

mation Classes once again –

ordering books, preparing

syllabi, and getting Candi-

dates and Aspirants ready to

start classes again at the end

of January.

I hear it often from Can-

didates, “I can’t wait to see

everyone and begin again.”

We have become a commu-

nity that really enjoys being

together, praying Morning

Prayer, celebrating Mass,

and growing in the love of

God.

On January 18, 2017,

Bishop Zarama celebrated

the Acceptance into Candida-

cy of nine men, the Institution

of eight Lectors, and the Insti-

tution of ten Acolytes. The

wonderful celebration of men

taking the next steps toward

Ordination as Permanent Dea-

cons was held at St. Philip

Benizi.

We are also in full prepa-

ration and watchful expectation

for Ordination on February 4,

2017 for the Class of 2017.

The men, and their families,

have entered into an intense

time of discernment. We com-

pleted a Pre-Ordination retreat

at the St. Bernard Abbey in

Cullman, Alabama earlier in

January.

We ask for your prayers

for the men and their families

who will be ordained as Per-

manent Deacons on February

4, 2017. We also ask you to

remember those who are Can-

didates in formation and those

who are just entering Aspiran-

cy.

Is our time ordinary, no?

It is a time of great expectation

and blessing.

Peace,

Penny Simmons

http://

www.archatl.com/

vocations/

deacons/

http://www.archatl.com/vocations/deacons




3


Please Pray for Us P A G E 3

For the sick and suffering: Steve Shoemaker, son of Deacon John Shoemaker, who had surgery and is recovering

Colin Swan, 11 month old grandson of Deacon Peter Swan

Amanda, daughter of Deacon Joe Pupo

Carol Kirksey, daughter-in-law of Deacon Timothy K. Kirksey

Ray Egan Jr., son of Deacon Ray Egan

Liz Schueth, mother of Deacon Paul Schueth

Dates to Remember Archbishop Gregory’s Conference with Deacons has been rescheduled

for Thursday, February 2nd

, from 10:00-11:00 am.

Ordination 2/4 CTK 10:30 AM (Deacons to vest in alb and white stole)

April 24, 2017 Embrace Ministry Benefit Dinner at Regina Coeli Academy

May 11, 2017 Mass of Recommitment and Convocation at Holy Spirit Catholic Church

May 27, 2017 Transitional Diaconate Ordination at Christ the King

June 24, 2017 Priesthood Ordinations at Christ the King

Eucharistic Congress June 17-18 Georgia International Convention Center

For those that have died in Christ:

Joseph Zelinka, Brother-in-law of Deacon Jon "Gary" Atkinson, January 13, 2017

Elaine Marie McManus, sister of Deacon John McManus, January 9, 2017

Helen Swope, mother of Deacon Steve Swope, December 16, 2017

Napoleón Marcano, father-in-law of Deacon José Espinosa November 18, 2016

Deacon Eugene P. Dickerson, who passed away on Sunday, October 23, 2016

4


5


6


Tax Information for the Deacon

Once ordained, deacons who work full-time or part-time in ministry fall under the same tax rules as diocesan priests. Many deacons and places where they serve are not aware of this. In addi-tion, there are tax strategies for deacons that will save them significant tax dollars.

Tax Manual For Deacons is a valuable resource that helps us and the bishops we serve do our due diligence of educating and informing deacons on the law and the correct or best way to fol-low it.

The attached order form can be used to place bulk orders and/or to forward to deacons to pro-mote bulk or encourage individual orders. Orders can be mailed with payment or can be placed immediately at www.ShepherdsAdvisor.org

***The 2017 Supplement complements Tax Manual For Deacons published in 2017 (for tax year 2016), providing for updates to tax year 2016 figures, forms, and data that are or may be primary items of interest and affecting deacons. The 2017 Supplement is available as a PDF delivered via email for a reduced cost of $12 as there are no additional shipping and handling costs.

To order the 2017 Supplement to Tax Manual For Deacons go to the website www.ShepherdsAdvisor.org then select the Tax Manual For Deacons page on the green menu bar and scroll down and click on the order button labeled “Order 2017 Update PDF Only”.

If you would like to order a copy or another copy of Tax Manual For Deacons for yourself, anoth-er deacon, tax preparer or someone else, it will include the 2017 Supplement for $28 plus $10 shipping and handling (bulk pricing available -- see order form). Unfortunately, the tax manual is not available as a PDF so both the tax manual and supplement will be mailed. Simply select the Tax Manual For Deacons page on the green menu bar and scroll down and click on the order button labeled “Order Online”.

http://www.shepherdsadvisor.org/

http://www.shepherdsadvisor.org/

7


Questions and Answers Q I have had a question posed to me that I cannot answer absolutely regarding the dis-position of cremated remains. I know in the past that cremains must be treated reverently, must be buried in a cemetery plot or mausoleum, and that the plot should be blessed much like a full size casket internment. What are the ramifications if this is not done and the family wishes otherwise assuming that the wake and funeral have been done properly? I was told by the family that they have received conflicting advice from another deacon or priest. If you cannot giver me an answer can you direct me to a person in the AD who might help me? I want to properly advise this family but I will not be participating in their funeral plans with their parish. Thank you.

A. Often asked question. There are two places where this is referenced. Catechism of the Catholic Church, which devotes hundreds of words to some subjects, matter-of-factly devotes only 20 words to the topic: "The Church permits cre-mation, provided that it does not demonstrate a denial of faith in the resurrection of the body" (no. 2301). The current Code of Canon Law (revised in 1983) devotes a mere 30 words that elab-orate on the same theme: "The Church earnestly recommends the pious custom of burial be retained; but it does not forbid cremation, unless this is chosen for reasons which are contrary to Christian teaching" (no. 1176). Here's what the US Conference of Catholic Bishops says: Thus, while "cremation is now permitted, it does not enjoy the same value as burial of the body...The Church clearly prefers and urges that the body of the deceased be present for the funeral rites, since the presence of the human body better expresses the values which the Church affirms in its rites." (OCF 413) However, "when extraordi-nary circumstances make the cremation of a body the only feasible choice, pastoral sensitivity must be exercised by all who minister to the family of the deceased." (OCF 414) The rites for burial of the cremated remains of a body may be found in the appendix to the Order of Christian Funerals. This appendix recommends that when cremation is chosen, the body be cremated after the Funeral, thus allowing for the presence of the body at the Funeral Mass. When pastoral circumstances require it, however, crema-tion and committal may take place even before the Funeral liturgy. Any catechesis on the subject of cremation should emphasize that "the cremated remains of a body should be treated with the same respect given to the corporeal re-mains of a human body. This includes the use of a worthy vessel to contain the ashes, the manner in which they are carried, the care and attention to appropriate placement and transport, and the final disposition." (OCF 416) While cremated remains may be buried in a grave, entombed in a mausoleum or columbarium or even buried at sea, "the practice of scattering cremated remains on the sea, from the air, or on the ground, or keeping cremated remains in the home of a relative or friend of the deceased are not the reverent disposition that the Church re-quires." (OCF 416) The cremated remains of the body may be properly buried at sea in the urn, coffin or other container in which they have been carried to the place of committal.

8


9


10


For more information about NDICE, visit www.ndice.net or email [email protected].

11


YOU CAN REGISTER ONLINE AT YOU CAN REGISTER ONLINE AT:

WWW.NDICE.NET

12


Wives Day of Reflection

On January 21, 2017, the Council of Deacons hosted a Wives Day of Reflection for the wives of deacons, wives of men in formation for the diaconate, and the widows of deacons in the Archdiocese of Atlanta. The program was held at St. Thomas More Catholic Church and the theme of the program was, “On Embracing a Mystical, Magi-cal, Merciful Life. The program was presented by the Cenacle Sisters of Georgia, Sister Susan Arcara and Sister Barbara Young. There was a presentation by each Sister, time for silent reflection, small group discussion, and a closing ceremony about mentors and support for each other. The day ended with a very nice lunch from a local restau-rant. Evaluations of the program were very positive and plans are already under way for this to become an annual program.

Deacon Tom Walter

13


We are looking for Deacon Mentors

This is an excerpt from the Manual for Deacon Mentors:

As a mentor, you will make a very important contribution to the

process of forming men for the permanent diaconate, to our

Archdiocese and to the candidate whom you have agreed to as-

sist. The deacon mentor significantly influences the degree to

which a candidate develops as a man, grows his spiritual life,

becomes more pastorally aware and increases his understand-

ing of the faith.

The role of the deacon mentor in the formation of men for the

permanent diaconate is of special importance. Deacons that

serve as mentors can make contributions of incalculable value

by assisting the candidate in discerning his vocation and help-

ing him understand the changes that will occur as he is literally

“formed” for the vocation of deacon. A trusted and caring dea-

con mentor can have a strong impact on both the candidate’s

formation and his prospects for a meaningful, satisfying and

service filled ministry.

We are looking for Deacons, ordained at least three years, who would be a Deacon

Mentor for a man in Diaconate Formation.

A Deacon Mentor Training Session is being scheduled for March 25, 2017, at the new

Diaconal Formation Center located on the campus of St. Paul of the Cross Catholic

Church. The session will run from 9:15 am to 12:15 pm. We celebrate Mass at 8:00

am and you are invited to join us for Mass too.

If you are interested in this ministry, and would like to know more about your role, the

time involved and any other questions, please email Penny Simmons at

[email protected] or give me a phone call at 404-931-1848 to let me know that

you will attend the training session. We especially need Mentors on the Southside of

Atlanta.

Peace,

Penny Simmons

mailto:[email protected]

the eacon archatl - archdiocese of atlanta … · 2017-02-11 · the eacon archatl.com nate in the...

Documents