Report’s Portrait of Aging Permanent Diaconate in U.S. Out of Sync with Vatican II’s Vision, Say Experts

The number of permanent deacons in America is holding relatively steady, but more than a third of them are also at or approaching the required retirement age for many dioceses. According to experts, the situation may suggest a need for local churches to revisit the Second Vatican Council’s vision for the permanent diaconate and rethink how to invite men to discern the vocation.

The Impatience of Job And the Power of God

Translation matters. If you doubt that, consider this! In the King James Version of the Bible (dating to 1611), here’s how the Letter of James invites us to consider the human protagonist of Sunday’s first reading: “Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and
have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy” (Jas 5:11).

Diocesan Assignments – June 22, 2024

Rev. Robert J. Armato, from pastor of St. Margaret, Middle Village, to senior priest status, and to private residence, effective June 30.