DOUGLASTON — At the Diocese of Brooklyn’s recent diaconate convocation, deacons were urged to heed the words of St. Pope John Paul II to “be not afraid” in preaching the Gospel message. 

The sentiment came from Deacon Matthew Coriale, one of the event’s keynote speakers, who also reminded the deacons that their example of living is just as powerful as the words they preach. 

“A lot of times, it’s not what we say, but how we say it,’ said Deacon Coriale, the executive director of the Josephinum Diaconate Institute in Columbus, Ohio. 

The annual diaconate convocation on Sept. 22 at the Immaculate Conception Pastoral Center in Douglaston was attended by 75 deacons and 40 wives. 

Deacon Coriale said deacons are given the gift of the Holy Spirit to help them animate the Church but warned against a creeping lack of enthusiasm as time goes on. He urged the deacons to remain faithful to their prayer life, especially the praying of the Liturgy of the Hours. 

“The diaconate is an especially privileged place to be,” he said. “Let your work be strong.” 

Deacon Roger Carrier, a staff member of the Josephinum Diaconate Institute, told the men that as “heralds,” they’re supposed to announce that something important is going to happen not only in the attainment of eternal life, but also everyday renewal. 

In order to do this, he said, constant conversion must be the message. 

“The ‘herald’ is not only responsible for his own interior life but also that of the ones he serves,” said Deacon Carrier, who recommended that the deacons get together in small groups to support one another. 

Bishop Robert Brennan opened the convocation with daytime prayer. He thanked the deacons for their service in parishes and diocesan offices and asked for their support as the diocese discusses a year of reciprocal partnership among parishes. 

Bishop Brenan noted that change is a way of life in the diocese. 

“As we adapt to the needs of parishes and change,” Bishop Brennan said, “we build up the strength of Catholic life here in Brooklyn and Queens.” 

The last speaker on the agenda was Msgr. Joseph Grimaldi, vicar general for the Diocese of Brooklyn, who urged the deacons to support parish partnerships. He said eventually, some parishes will have to merge because of the dwindling number of Catholics and a shortage of clergy in the diocese. 

“We may have fewer parishes but the Church will be stronger and more vital,” he said. 

The annual event allows deacons and their wives to pray and socialize together, according to Deacon John Cantirino, director of the diaconate formation program. 

Deacon Michael Chirichella of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Williamsburg, said the day was helpful while noting it’s always important for the deacons to come together on occasion. 

“We need to pray together so that we don’t get lost in the weeds,” he said. “This was a day that we needed. It was like a shot in the arm.” 

Deacon John Warren of Our Lady of the Snows in Floral Park agreed. 

“It’s always good to be together, to reflect on our vocation,” he said. “The times are trying and we need to rely on the Holy Spirit.”