It is not necessary for us to do everything all by ourselves.  It is important to empower others to help us. With others helping it frees us up to spend more time for prayer and the ministry of the Word.  This is the reason why they needed deacons back in the early church (Acts 6:1-7), and this is why we need them today.

From early in the church there were deacons, even women deacons like Phoebe (Romans 16:1-16).  In Saint Paul’s Letter to the Romans people were encouraged to welcome her and help her.  Saint Paul also greeted an amazingly diverse group of people!  We celebrate this diversity in our new deacons.  May we greet them with a holy kiss.

In the Bible (Luke 10:1-12) the Lord appointed seventy-two; He used a lot more than just the twelve apostles to fulfill His mission.  The seventy-two were told to bring peace into whatever house they entered (House Blessing).  They were called to share in table fellowship (Serve at Mass and Communion Services).  They were told to cure the sick (Anointing of the Sick).  They were called to proclaim the Kingdom of God (Homily).  Our deacons will do all this, plus Baptisms, Wedding Ceremonies, Renewal of Marriage Vows, Distribution of Holy Communion to the Sick and Homebound, Last Rites in Time of Need, Rosary Prayers for the Deceased, Funeral Services, and Graveside Services.