Dear Editor: Many thanks “Two Deacons Celebrate Their 25th Year of Service” (Oct. 24). It was my pleasure to teach in the Diaconate Formation Program during those early years and I well remember the dedication of the candidates.

Looking over the article and reading the names of class members brought back wonderful memories. Little did they know all that the Church would ask of them in the years ahead.

They were men who were about to set out into the deep, to borrow the phrase from Bishop DiMarzio. Many on the parish level did not know what deacons were all about. Little by little, they have defined their roles and today they are invaluable leaders throughout our diocese.

Congratulations to them! I am proud of the years I spent with our deacons and their families, and wish them every blessing as they continue in their various ministries.

JOHN J. MCCORMICK

Windsor Terrace