Dear Editor: Just turned 89, living in Dominican Village, Amityville, L.I., reportedly the oldest deacon in full-time ministry in Rockville Centre Diocese, preach regularly and lead a weekly discussion group which makes great use of The Tablet. Our program is something like today’s exciting Renew/Arise effort and the Brooklyn Cursillo, responsible for my conversion 50 years ago.

This week for instance, our conversation starters included Editor Ed Wilkinson’s column on Mother Teresa, Father Bob Lauder’s on conscience, Bensonhurst’s ties to Italy and the Fransicans’ innovative outreach to hipsters.

I regularly check the Sunday Scriptures, Bishop DiMarzio’s column and the good old Readers’ Forum (one of my favorites when I worked there, 1947-85). Also loved the recent super piece on St. Clare’s in Rosedale. And always read Jim Mancari’s sports page.

Thanks to The Tablet, and an inspired news-making pope, we know that our laity, sisters, priests, schools, parishes, etc. are doing a lot of positive things about poverty and other real problems. Regards and thanks to all your co-workers.

DEACON DON ZIRKEL

Amityville, L.I.

Editor’s Note: Deacon Don was Editor of The Tablet from 1968 to 1985. May he have many more years of active ministry.