Diocese of La Crosse
Deacon Update
Vol. 4 Issue 4
Published by the Office of Ministries
Page 1
Mr. Christopher Carstens
Director of Sacred Worship
The Permanent Diaconate and the Office of Sacred Worship
Chapter 6 of the Acts of the Apostles, in perhaps that one passage from Scripture invoked more than any other in deacon formation, recalls how the apostles, saying that “It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at table” (v.2), choose seven reputable men for the task and lay hands upon them. “To serve at table:” I would like to invoke this verse in explaining how the Office of Sacred Worship can assist the permanent deacon in his work.
The word “pastor” and its derivative “pastoral” come, at its root, from the Latin pascere, meaning “to feed”
or “to lead to pasture.” Even more fundamentally, the root of pastoral and pascere—the “pa-”—is found in the word
panis, that is, “bread” or “loaf,” a theme that is at heart of the Church’s sacramental life.
I bring all of this up, not to try to demonstrate to you what pastoral work is (in fact, this is what I cannot do,
as I will explain shortly), but to explain how it is I see the role of the Sacred Worship Office in pastoral work. If one
is called to pastoral work, “to serve at table,” it seems to me that this involves two realities: on the one hand, the hungry mouths of the faithful, those called to mature and grow into the full stature of Christ (Ephesians 4:13); on the
other hand, the pastoral involves food or pasture, that upon which the People of God are fed, whether milk or solid
food (see Hebrews 5). To carry out pastoral work, then, involves devotion to those placed in one’s care and, at the
same time, the truths of the faith, especially as they are tangibly expressed (and even consumed!) in the liturgy. To
focus on the people only, without an eye to their spiritual nourishment, is merely humanitarian; to concentrate on the
matters faith without applying these truths to the people’s growth in holiness, is simply an academic exercise: both
have their merits, but neither are pastoral.
The Office of Sacred Worship is established to assist you and all of those involved in pastoral work in nourishing the faithful of the Diocese of La Crosse. While we cannot know, as you know, the specific needs of those in
your care, nor the best way to nourish them in holiness, we are at your service in serving them, in helping you to celebrate the Church’s liturgy in the best possible way such that they may be fed and strengthened by their participation in
it.
“The Church,” says the Introduction to the Lectionary for Mass, “is nourished spiritually at the twofold table
of God’s word and of the Eucharist: from the one it grows in wisdom and from the other in holiness” (n.10). To help
the liturgy be as “nourishing” as possible for those in your care, the Office of Sacred Worship offers catechesis on the
various liturgies of the Church to any who are interested. Questions on the use and meaning of the various ritual and
liturgical books—from the Roman Missal and the liturgical calendar, the rites for the other sacraments (and the various options contained therein), the Liturgy of the Hours, the Book of Blessings, Order of Christian Funerals, and others—can be addressed to this office. The Sacred Worship Office also carries out for parishes training of readers and
extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion. In addition, our office prepares for various diocesan liturgical celebrations, whether those annual events held at the Cathedral, such as the Chrism Mass and Ordinations, or those occurring
with the Bishop on local levels, such as special events or blessings. Many deacons are serving as emcees for these
local events; please contact me with any questions as you prepare for these. Any liturgical resources, either ritual
books or catechetical materials, can also be obtained through the Sacred Worship Office.
More recently, the RCIA has become a part of the Office’s work. Three times a year (at least) the RCIA Resource Group meets to discuss timely questions in the carrying out of the catechumenal ministry. The Office also
helps to organize the annual Rite of Election at the Cathedral, as well as the celebration of Mass with the Bishop for
those who have recently entered into the full communion of the Church. Catechetical materials for the RCIA are also
(Continued on Page 4, CARSTENS)
Diocese of La Crosse
Deacon Update
Vol. 4 Issue 3
Published by the Office of Ministries
Page 2
Ms Ann Lankford
Director Catechesis and Evangelization
The Deacon and the Ministry of the Word
The Diocese of La Crosse will be receiving a generous gift from God on Saturday, the 27th of January, 2007! In
addition to the 20 deacons in active ministry who serve us, Bishop Listecki will ordain eleven men to the diaconate.
What a tremendous blessing that God has called forth these men to this vocation and that they have answered His
call.
The vocation of the deacon is to serve the Ministry of the Altar, the Ministry of the Word and the Ministry of
Charity. Each of these ministries is essential for the life of the Church. We have cause for rejoicing here as our parishes will be better served in these areas with a greater number of permanent deacons.
In turning our focus more specifically toward the Ministry of the Word, two of the chief expressions of this ministry are evangelization and catechesis. Evangelization, which is at the heart of the mission of the Church, is the bringing of the Gospel to all people so that each person may fall in love with Jesus Christ and be committed to Him. This
personal relationship with Christ and following His way of living the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes brings
forth a civilization of love, according to God’s plan (Commentary on the General Directory for Catechesis, Most
Rev. Raymond L. Burke, p. 21).
The dynamic process of evangelization in the Church includes catechesis. “The word catechesis comes from a
Greek verb that means to ‘reecho’ – the emphasis is on transmission, the passing on of a message received” (The
Mystery We Proclaim, Catechesis for the Third Millennium, Our Sunday Visitor Books, Msgr. Francis D. Kelly, p.
44). This transmission involves both the handing on of God’s Word in Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture and
inviting others to growth in faith. This faith is to be “living,” “conscious,” and “active.”
There are many opportunities for handing on the Catholic Faith in our society. In the RCIA process young people
and adults are coming to the parishes with very little knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Large numbers of Catholics have lost a living sense of the faith, or no longer consider themselves members of the Church. Many faithful
Catholics desire further formation in the Faith including the study of the Bible. Depending on the need of a particular
parish and the available time, the deacon will play a significant role in serving as possible catechist, RCIA coordinator, leader of a Bible Study, facilitator of a faith sharing group, organizer of the religious education of young people,
presenter of adult faith formation, instructor of catechists, etc. Furthermore, the deacon has another setting to evangelize as he is immersed in the world with a secular occupation. He is able to witness to his faith in Christ as he interacts with others in the market place and as he meets the demands of his work both as a committed Catholic and as
ordained minister. However, some deacons may work in the Church in full time ministry.
The deacons are well suited for these roles in that they have been given five years of intense formation along with
the opportunity to grow closer to Our Lord in deepening their prayer life.
It is definitely an asset for the life of the Church that the community of deacons will be involved in different aspects
of evangelization and catechesis in the various parts of the Diocese.
The Office of Catechesis and Evangelization is at the service of the deacons to provide any resources that may be
needed. The Office, on the second floor of the Diocesan Curia, houses a curriculum library that contains hundreds of
videos and DVDs that can be used, free of charge, in the parish. The Jeff Cavins 24 Hour Great Adventure Bible
Study as well as the series on Matthew and Acts are part of the collection. Samples of the latest textbooks that are in
conformity with the Catechism of the Catholic Church are available for review. The Theology of the Body for Teens
has just arrived and looks excellent. We also sell, at cost, catechetical documents such as On Catechesis in Our Time
(which includes questions that can be completed for certification credit), the new Compendium of the Catechism of
the Catholic Church, parent resources such as the Little Catechism on the Eucharist for sacramental prep etc.
(Continued on page 4, LANKFORD)
Diocese of La Crosse
Deacon Update
Vol. 4 Issue 3
Published by the Office of Ministries
Page 3
Mr. Gerald Rynda
Deacon Candidate
My journey to the diaconate began 31 years ago. This realization came to me while reflecting on
what God was saying at our pre-ordination retreat. It was there I recalled hearing the Lord say to me when
I was about sixteen years old that He wanted me to serve Him full-time with my life. Since that initial
call, circumstances in my life have been converging to the point when that call will be fulfilled as a permanent deacon. While God has been preparing me for many years, it has been through this time of diaconal
formation for the diocese of La Crosse that this calling has become a reality.
I had wanted to look more seriously at becoming a permanent deacon after completing the Lay Ministry program in 1997. However, when the invitation to join the next diaconate class was introduced at an
informational meeting in the spring of 2002, I left wanting to run the other way, fearful of the demands of
the program, the time commitment, the distance to travel, etc. Thankfully, my wife, an uncle, another deacon and another timely “word from the Lord” encouraged me to trust God, step out in faith and apply.
Since beginning the formation program, I have been challenged, supported, strengthened, humbled
and confirmed in my calling to become a deacon. As part of our formation process, my diaconate class
was fortunate to be able to go through a Masters degree program in theology offered through the Institute
for Pastoral Theology (IPT) at Ave Maria University with classes held in Stevens Point. The IPT was rich
but arduous. We attended IPT classes for three hours Friday night, then nine hours on Saturday only to be
followed by a full day of diaconal formation on Sunday. We covered an array of topics in theology using
as our core sources the Documents of Vatican II, the writings of Pope John Paul II, Scripture, the Catholic
Catechism, the Code of Canon Law, spiritual classics and liturgical documents. Each class was given in
lecture style with significant amounts of reading, paper writing and tests. Yet, along with the challenges
of the IPT came many beautiful insights into our faith and the discovery of truth.
Besides the academics, we also needed formation in the practical side of diaconal work which the
diocese provided. After covering general topics related to the diaconate during our Aspirancy period, we
focused on more specific topics during Candidacy such as catechesis, evangelization, marriage, family,
pastoral care, ministry of charity, sacred worship, parish administration, and homiletics. During each semester we focused on a different topic, hearing about the experiences of those involved in these ministry
areas, receiving specific training and then getting involved in our parishes in some aspect of each area for
hands-on Field Education. I found this part of formation rewarding as we developed our diaconal abilities.
Our diaconate class has eleven men preparing for ordination. Being in formation with this small
group has given us the great opportunity to develop close relationships, and to encourage and support each
other. We have also grown in humility as we practiced homilies, led prayers and shared our lives with
each other, enabling us to recognize the gifts God has given to each of us and how He will use those gifts
to build His Church.
As I approach ordination, I am very thankful to be a part of this diaconate class and for all those who
have supported me through formation, especially my family. Finally, I am very grateful to the Lord for
making His call clear and fulfilling it by enabling me to become a permanent deacon.
Diocese of La Crosse
Deacon Update
Vol. 4 Issue 3
Published by the Office of Ministries
************
Birthdays
Daniel Rider (C) 01/03
Marilyn Burek (D) 01/09
David Kennedy (D) 01/17
Robert Chittendon (D) 01/24
Harriet Hurrish (D) 01/27
Patricia Chittendon (D) 02/09
Sara Hansen (C) 02/11
James Landry (D) 02/12
Glen Heinzl (C) 02/14
David Ashenbrenner (D) 02/18
Hugh Walker (D) 02/21
Judith Agema (D) 03/02
Ruth Beck (D) 03/12
Stillman Slason (D) 03/13
Dennis Rivers (D) 03/13
Frank Abnet (D)03/21
Janet Abnet (D) 03/31
Happy Birthday to all
************
Remembering Our
Brother Deacons
1991
December 23
James Dockendorff (83 )
1994
May 23
Eugene Shaver ( )
1999
July 31
Ray Braski (83)
2002
May 30
Herman Schulz (87)
June 3
John Barnum (83)
*** 2007 ***
Upcoming Events
Date: January 13th
Time: 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Location: St. Bede’s, Eau
Claire
Subject: “Faith-Sharing and
Charitable Service.”
Audience: Deacon Aspirants and
Deacon Candidates, Lay Formation Students, members of pilot
parish teams and Deacons
Limitations: Space Call early to
make your reservation
Registration: Call Rena at (608)
791-2667 TODAY
****
Date: January 27th
Time: E-mail notification
Location: St. Joseph the Workman Cathedral
Subject: Ordination of our Deacon Candidates
Audience: Special invitation
Limitations: Space seating and
parking
*********************
(CARSTENS, Continued from page 1)
those who have recently entered into
the full communion of the Church.
Catechetical materials for the RCIA
are also recommended and available.
In short, the Office of Sacred Worship is meant to help you, in
whichever ways possible, to carry out
your pastoral work. “Among other
tasks, it is the task of the deacons to
assist the bishop and priests in the
celebration of the divine mysteries,
above all the Eucharist, in the distribution of Holy Communion, in assisting at and blessing marriages, in the
proclamation of the Gospel and
preaching, in presiding over funerals,
and in dedicating themselves to the
various ministries of charity” (CCC,
n.1570). Please know that the Office
of Sacred Worship is at your service
in carrying out your sacred calling.
Page 4
***************************
(LANKFORD, Continued from page 2)
One of the major goals of the Office of Catechesis and Evangelization is to implement the Diocesan
Religion Curriculum. Pre-school
through eighth grade was completed in August 2005 and the high
school religion curriculum was
completed in August 2006. The
Religion Curriculum provides the
foundation of all that is taught regarding the Faith. Sequence charts
are available to help connect the
school or parish textbook with the
curriculum. If there is a need for
training in the use of the Religion
Curriculum or any type of catechetical methodology, please contact Ann at
alankford@dioceseoflacrosse.com.
It is an exciting time to live as
the New Evangelization is taking
root. In all efforts of evangelization and catechesis, let us look to
the Blessed Mother, who is the
model catechist. Most Holy Mary,
“Star of the New Evangelization”
pray for us in our efforts to serve
your Divine Son in His Church.
**************
Relevant Radio
1050 AM WDVM
Eau Claire
1050 AM WJOK
Green Bay
1240 AM WHFA
Madison
1570 AM WKBH
La Crosse
92.9 FM WYNW
Wausau
93.9 FM WMMA
Wisconsin Rapids
Diocese of La Crosse
Deacon Update
Vol. 4 Issue 3
Published by the Office of Ministries
Page 5
Deacon Stillman W. Slason
Director of Deacon Personnel
and
Editor of the Deacon Update Newsletter
What does The Future Hold?
Mark your calendars for the upcoming ordination of our deacon candidates on January 27th. The candidates are
anxiously awaiting word of their parish assignments. Anticipation is building as it should after five years of intense
study and now ordination is finally in sight.
Another exciting part of all of this has been watching the spiritual growth not only of these men, but also that of
their families. We should also remember that we have 24 men in their second year of Aspirancy and another class
should be starting in the fall of 2007. Watching these men and their families over the five years as they grow in their
faith is encouraging and a great joy. All of them need encouragement from family, friends, parish members and especially from the clergy of the diocese.
As deacons we can be the primary encouragement for men looking into the possibility of entering deacon formation and for the youth considering vocations to the priesthood or religious life. Jesus said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few” (Matthew 9:37). Our instructions are clear, now is the time to get into motion spreading the Word. The most difficult part of our task will be to walk the walk not just talk the talk.
Our call is to not only serve in the parish, but also the deanery , the Diocese and the communities in which we
live. I know our deacons are serving in all of these, but we do not have an accurate accounting of just what everyone
is doing. Sharing the information of how each deacon is serving in each of these areas may give others ideas on how
they might get active in similar activities. There are a multitude of programs that need sincere, dedicated volunteers
to work, to help implement, to steer , and maybe to train others. Some of these programs are not well advertised,
which is a shame as so much good is done by the few who have discovered them.
As this diocese ordains more men to the Permanent Diaconate there will be more voices for those in our communities who are not heard and who are in great need. If we can identify these people and coordinate efforts to start helping them each community will slowly start a healing process for those who have been suffering because NO ONE has
heard or listened to them. We are not to judge that is up to God. Pray before you start, pray with those you help and
continue to pray for guidance and the needs of all.
On a different topic, I will be working with the Very Reverend Joseph Hirsch, Vicar for Clergy as we assist the
bishop in his supervision of the spiritual and personal welfare of deacons and their families. The first task was to develop assignment recommendations for the men about to be ordained, the process was briefly explained in the Fall
Newsletter. Other activities pertain to assisting in the excardination and incardination processes of Permanent Deacons. Another aspect is to contact all of our Permanent Deacons to review their activities and identify any concerns
that need to be addressed with the bishop as well as verify accuracy of information in the diocesan database.
Unfortunately I will not be attending the ordination of our deacon candidates due to a family event in Oklahoma
City. Our son is retiring after 22 years in the United States Navy. During the past five years we have been telling the
candidates that after God, family comes first then diaconal activities. Now I am caught in this dilemma after five
years of working in the formation process with these men only to miss the most important part.