News

Two deacons ordained for Green Bay Diocese

By Jeff Kurowski
Compass Assistant Editor

	HUMBLE BEFORE GOD: Prior to their May 19th ordinations as deacons, James Heider and Robert Precourt lie prostrate before the altar and tabernacle in St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. (Rick Evans photo)
	Background: What does deacon do? Ministry centers in three areas of service By Patricia Kasten Compass Associate Editor A deacon is a member of the clergy. The title of "deacon" comes from the Greek word diakonos, meaning "servant." The first deacons were ordained to assist the Apostles with table service, a ministry that focused especially on the poor in the early Christian community (Acts 6:1-6). The order of deacons, once called permanent deacons to distinguish them from those preparing for the priesthood who are also ordained to the diaconate, was revitalized by the Second Vatican Council. The Diocese of Green Bay has been ordaining men to this permanent diaconate since the early 1970s. Today, with the ordinations of Dcns. Jim Heider and Bob Precourt, there are 137 permanent deacons in our diocese. Deacons have a three-fold ministry: • Service of the word; • Service of the liturgy; • Service in charity, justice and pastoral outreach. Some deacons devote all of their time to parish work, but most remain working in the secular world and devote other time to church service. Married men may become deacons, but single men must remain single after ordination. A deacon assists at worship celebrations, exercises the ministry of preaching, and provides other sacramental services to the community. Deacons may preside at weddings, baptisms and funerals During the Mass, the deacon proclaims of the Gospel and may lead the penitential rite, preach the homily and lead the general intercessions. Because of his role in proclaiming the Gospel, the newly ordained deacon is presented with a Book of the Gospels. At the Eucharistic celebration, the deacon prepares the altar, shows the sacred cup to the faithful at the conclusion of the Eucharistic Prayer, invites the people to share the sign of peace and dismisses the people once the priest imparts the final blessing. The deacon may also purify the sacred vessels. For information about the diaconate, visit www.gbdioc.org and click on the Vocations/Leadership link.

The Diocese of Green Bay has two new deacons ordained for service to parishes. On Saturday, May 19, at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Bp. David Zubik ordained James Heider of Holy Cross Parish, Bay Settlement, and Robert Precourt of St. Paul Parish, Plainfield, to the Order of Deacons.

"This ordination, the consecration of your call to God, you are called by all of us to be ministers of God's Word, ministers of God's altar, and most of all, ministers of charity," said Bp. Zubik.

Dcn. Paul Grimm, Diaconate Director for the Diocese presented the deacon candidates for examination by Bp. Zubik. Heider and Precourt then promised respect and obedience to the Bishop and his successors.

The oldest elements in the ordination of deacons are the Laying on of Hands by the bishop and the Prayer of Consecration. The newly ordained Dcn. Heider and Dcn. Precourt were vested with assistance from their wives, Linn Heider and Joan Precourt. Bp, Zubik then presented the men the Book of Gospels signifying the deacon's role and responsibility as minister of the Gospel of Christ.

Bp. Zubik thanked the two for being "so very sensitive to God." He also thanked their families and all who supported them in answering God's call. The Bishop made special mention of Msgr. Jim Feely's support of Dcn. Heider and Msgr. Mark Schommer's guidance of Dcn. Precourt.

In reference to the gospel reading, Matthew 20:25b-28, Bp. Zubik encouraged the new deacons to continue to "seek to be servants, prayerful servants, Christ-like servants, church servants."

He also offered advice for their work in ministry. Bp. Zubik said that after working in ministry for a significant length time, it can become routine. He encouraged them to keep their ministry vibrant.

"Do that by being people of prayer," he said. "In whatever you do, do it with passion. Do it with conviction."

Bp. Zubik praised the men for answering the call to service prior to becoming deacons. He recognized Dcn. Precourt's work at St. Paul Parish, which he now serves as parish director, and Dcn. Heider's work as a child psychologist.

"These are ways in which you have been a visible sign of what it means to be servants," said Bp. Zubik.