Fr. John Colacino  The View From Mount Nebo Updated    November 28th

2001:  January 23rd   February 27th   April 3rd   May 22nd June 26th   August 23rd   September 27th   October 27th   November 29th

2002:  January 24th   June 27th   September 26th   October 26th November 14th

2003:  February 27th  March 13th  June 5th  September 10th  October 25th

2004:  March 3rd  June 2nd  September 1st   October 6th  October 30th  December 1st

2005:  April 6th  June 1st  September 7th  October 5th  October29th

2006:  February 1st  June 7th September 6th  December 6th

SAINT STEPHEN’S DIACONAL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

SEPTEMBER 26, 2000 MEETING

MINUTES

PRESENT: Deacon John and Roni Antenucci, Deacon Tom Cleary, Deacon Larry Feasel, Deacon Dick and Rose Marie Lombard, Deacon Dave Palma, Deacon Bob Stowell, Deacon John Tomandl

Opening prayer was shared.

Study of Basic Norms: The confusion between tutor and mentor was clarified. Tutor is the term used in the Roman document. Mentor is the equivalent tern used by the American bishops in their response. Approval of the American bishops’ document is hoped for by December. It was also noted that the need for community among those in formation is supported, but a role for the ordained

community in support for those in formation is not specified.

SSDCA Retreat: Deacon John A. reported that plans are near complete. Fr. John Colacino, the lead SBI faculty member on diaconal formation, will be with us on Sunday to celebrate Eucharist and preach Sunday.  In previous years there was also Eucharist late Saturday afternoon. However, priest availability is a problem. We may need to substitute Evening Prayer.

Deacon John voiced the feeling of being overwhelmed with all the retreat coordination requirements. Roni volunteered to assist with the site details such as room assignments.

Stan Zawacki Award: Deacon Dick Lombard reported on the selection committee’s recommendation which will be announced at the Association meeting on Saturday night of the Retreat. He also indicated that the committee would like to invite the diaconal community to be more involved in the process.

Nominations for SSDCA Vice President and Treasurer: Deacon John A.

discussed the use of the three regional representatives to serve as a nominating committee. Names of interested individuals should be solicited in September. Write-ins and voting will be conducted at the Retreat. It was agreed that the two vacancies should be placed on the SSDCA web site and that the regional representatives should canvass the membership in their area by phone for those interested in candidacy. Deacon Dave also indicated that Deacon Tom Schrage would like step down from being the regional representative from the Southern Tier.

Treasurer’s Report: Deacon Tom Cleary has been of great assistance in developing fiscal management formats based on X-cel software for recording dues received and expenditures made, and then producing a monthly Treasurer’s Report. The January through August 2000 report was accepted and Tom was thanked for his efforts. NOTE: After the meeting adjourned, new signature cards were completed.

Membership Dues: There was discussion of dues for those in formation. It was agreed that those in the Aspirancy phase would not be charged dues until they enter the Candidacy phase.

Monthly Meetings:

             It was agreed that monthly meetings should continue to be on Tuesday night and be open to any members desiring to attend. Accordingly, Deacon John T. and Deacon Larry F. with the pastors of parishes in Geneva/Pen Yan and East Rochester respectively to see if meeting room space might be available.

NEXT MEETING:  Saturday Night, October 28th 

Respectfully submitted,  

Deacon Larry Feasel,

Secretary

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Saint Stephen’s Diaconal Community Association

Annual Retreat - Oct 27-29 2000

Association Meeting - October 28th

 This document contains three parts. The first consists of my notes from Father James Hewes’ excellent presentations on the subject of Violence. Hopefully, these jottings, which are partly quotes and partly paraphrasing, will rekindle the fire of those who were in attendance and whet the appetite of those who could not. The second are notes from Father John Colacino’s presentation on developments in the diaconate. And the third part is the minutes of the Association’s business meeting.

 ON VIOLENCE

Father James Hewes

             The Friday night session opened with Father’s readings from two unlikely sources at first blush - Brigadier General S. L. A. Marshall’s Men Against Fire: The Problem of Battle Command in Future War and Lieutenant Dave Grossman’s On Killing: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill In War and Society. [Both are available from Amazon.com.] These two sources were inter-woven with Cain’s response in Genesis: “My punishment is too great to bear.“ [Genesis 4:13]  In destroying the life of his brother Abel, he destroyed himself. General Marshall reports that in WWII, 85% of all infantrymen did not shoot in combat situations! Despite the fact that they were trained to kill and were in situations where one expected to kill or be killed, 85% couldn’t pull the trigger. By Viet Nam, this had changed. There, ninety-three percent of all infantrymen shot to kill. What happened in our national psyche or in military training or in ??? to produce this change??? 

            In Genesis, God created nothing but life. The Council Fathers at Vatican II instructed us “life must be guarded with special care”. Jesus consistently preaches and witnesses love and non-violence. For example, when Peter takes his sword to the ear of the high priest’s servant, Jesus restores the ear. For the first three centuries, the church lived non-violence. Believers could not join the Army. And if they were members of the Army when they became believers, they needed to advise their commanders that they could not kill. When the Church became entangled with the state, and was recognized as an official religion the centrality of non-violence began to be lost. 

            Our world is a furnace and every violent act feeds the flames of hatred. The violence in this society produces pain. For example, those who come to Project Rachael do not believe that they can be forgiven for the sin of abortion.  Sin and violence bring pain, and pain, which is not transformed, is transmitted to others in what we say and do.  

            Satan in Hebrew means the accuser. The accusations distance us from our Savior. When Adam and Eve had sinned, the Father/Creator asks them: “who told you that you were naked?” [Genesis 3:11] The accusation separates us from reconciliation. In Rev 12:10b, believers are promised - “I will send you not an accuser, but an advocate.”  

            And the thought for the evening - “every addiction is an attempt to find God.” The Friday night program closed with Evening Prayer and the Anointing of the Sick. 

            Saturday morning’s presentation dealt with the source of violence. The fundamental question comes from the book of James - “where do the wars among you begin?” Father John Crosby says the heart of all violence is in control. Violence is the abuse of power. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., said: “the choice is between non-violence and non-existence.” Non-violence is not something passive, it is active. Gordon Zahn writes of this in the book In Solitary Witness, when he describes an Austrian peasant farmer – Franz Jaegerstaetter -  who refused to be inducted into the German Army, becoming the solitary witness for peace.  Despite recommendations from others to save himself, he paid the ultimate price for his conscientious objection. He lived out Ghandi’s words - “Non-violence cannot be preached, it must be lived.”  Non-violence only makes sense when it is lived in, through and with faith. 

            The image of God may hurt some because there can be violence in our images of God as a judge, as angry with sinners and as a source of punishment. One resolution for this image is through prayer. Prayer is not a time, it is a faithfulness. Jesus quotes the psalms more than any other part of scripture and these are highly personalized prayers which ring responsive cords in our feelings. Brother Lauren says that we must pray as we can, not as we can’t. In other words, we must pray in the manner which comes most naturally. Then we must stretch, going beyond ourselves in prayer. We should strip away all our pretenses in prayer and trust God. 

            American society is become ever more violent, escalating as women become more like men. Non-violence is a process, a way of life which takes time - especially in our instant gratification society. As salt and light for this society, we must change from being American Catholics and become Catholic Americans.  Jesus called on us to love our enemies, and this love is the heart on non-violence. The ever escalating inter-national and intra-national violence will make non-violence inevitable to insure survival. Necessity will take us beyond where virtue can. 

            Non-violence is built on forgiveness and reconciliation. Forgiveness is internal to the person, and reconciliation is external to the person, coming from another. In the early church, there was no formal reconciliation process. If one committed a major sin such as apostasy, murder or adultery, one could be forgiven only by a bishop. As the sacrament of penance evolved there was a struggle over whether it could be received only once or many times. And then it became an effort to list one’s sins and their frequency in order to be forgiven. Penance today has become a drive for absolution rather than a process of reconciliation. It is our own sense of unforgiven-ness which will not forgive us. We need to surrender to the mercy of our God and the forgiveness of those we have hurt in order to achieve true peace. We need to forgive the one who has hurt us deeply as we seek forgiveness for those we have hurt. Then we need to forgive ourselves. And then we can seek the forgiveness of God. An example of this is in Project Rachael’s process of inner healing. The mother is asked to name her child, then write a letter to the child by name, and finally to seek forgiveness for killing the child by name.

            Father Jim also left a message to those of us who are over-involved. He reminded us that over-commitment is a form of violence to ourselves which prevents us from living and witnessing peace. He called our attention to a quotation from Thomas Merton’s Conjecture of a Guilty Bystander:

            ... there is a pervasive form of contemporary violence to which [we all] easily succumb: activism and overwork. The rush and pressure and pressure of modern life are a form, perhaps the most common form of its innate violence. To allow ones-self to be carried away by a multitude of conflicting concerns, to be surrounded by too many demands, to commit ones-self to too many projects, to want to help      everyone in everything is to succumb to violence. More than that, it is to cooperate in violence ... frenzy destroys [our] own inner capacity for peace. It destroys the fruitfulness of inner wisdom which makes work fruitful.

Janet Ruffing’s article entitled “Resisting the Demon of Business” in the Summer, 1995 of Spiritual Life also develops this thought. 

            Thank you Fr. Jim. You shared with us much to ponder in our lives and in our ministry.  

The View From Mount Nebo Updated

Fr. John Colacino 

            Father John is SBI’s faculty member coordinating the Deacon formation program.  He coordinated so that those in formation could participate in Father Hewes’ last session, share lunch in community, participate in a session on the diaconate in the greater society, and join us for Saturday Eucharist. It was a great opportunity for all! 

            The presentation shared emerging visions of church. The term diocesan ministerium is gaining in use. This refers to the unity in ministry of priests, deacons and laity involved in pastoral work. This collaboration is even more crucial given the declining number of priests. Father also shared recent data on priestly vocations. 

            The International Theological Commission recently met to explore the nature of diaconal ordination. The question posed was whether the diaconate is configured to Christ in service or to the priesthood of Christ. If the configuration is to Christ in service, then diaconal ordination of women may be possible. 

            Father John called our attention to two documents from Roger Cardinal Mahony on the Mass and on ministry, and suggested that we review both. All the documents which follow are available at: http://www.la-archdiocese.org: 

Ministry: “As I Have Done For You – A Pastoral Letter on Ministry” [April 20, 2000 – 23 pages]          

The Mass – there are a number of documents: “The Day on Which We Gather – Guidelines for Sunday Eucharist” [March 31, 1988 – 7 pages];

“Gather Faithfully Together – A Guide for Sunday Mass” [September 4, 1997 – 23 pages]

“Dies Domini – Reflections by His Eminence Cardinal Roger Mahony on the Apostolic Letter” [July 7, 1998 – 2 pages]

 “ Gather Faithfully Together – Theological Underpinnings and Pastoral/Practical Implications” [for the Diocese of Erie (Pa.), November 3, 1998 – 9 pages]              

            Lastly, we are called to ignore the hierarchal and lay naysayers as well as lingering clericalism, and to trust in the words of Moses in “guiding providence”.

             Thank you Fr. John for you support, for your insights, and for celebrating Mass on Saturday and Sunday.

Community Business Meeting

October 28, 2000

 This meeting was held at Stella Maris Retreat Center with approximately fifty in attendance. 

President’s Report:  John Antenucci shared a great deal with the members present.

Ø      Community fusion was the phrase he used  to capture the coming together of the ordained and formation community this weekend. He gave credit for this to Deacon Dave Palma and Fr. John Colacino.  The roots of this weekend were in the gathering at the Holy Name of Jesus in March. In the future the community will be invited to other events such as the installation as acolyte and lector.  He thanked all present for their prayers and support for this.

Ø      The presentation of the Deacon Stan Zawacki Award to the family of Lita Gillette was a moving event which will not soon be forgotten by any of those present.

Ø        The two websites [this association’s – http://www.tomandl.com/ssdca.htm

-         and that of the Deacon Personnel Board] are improving

communication within our community.

Treasurer’s Report: John distributed a treasurer’s report and thanked Deacon Tom Cleary for his assistance in developing an electronic spreadsheet based accounting system. John also requested that the membership authorize the officers to look into a dues increase. This passed unanimously.

Election of Officers: The following appointments were approved:

            John & Carole Tomandl – Vice-President

            Dick & Rose Marie Lombard – Treasurer

            Angelo & Patricia Coccia – Regional VP for Rochester area

Presentation of Awards: The following were specially recognized:

            Tom & Margaret Cleary and Pat & Jean Shanley for coordinating support to the Canonical Retreat for Ordinands.

            Angelo and Patricia Coccia for their support of the poor in the Rochester area and their leadership of Francis House.

            Bill & Marylou Coffey for their prayer vigils at homicide sites.

            John & Carole Tomandl for their work on the website.

Open Forum: Deacon Joe Dwyer opened by thanking all for their support during the time of his family’s need.

            Deacon Dave Palma brought the greetings of our First Deacon – Bishop Matthew Clark. He expressed thanks to all for assisting in his transition – “my head is spinning!!” Communication is the first priority through the News Letter as well as the web-site and phone message, which are updated each Monday. Work groups are involved in Formation Policy, a relief fund and Holy Sepulcher. 

                Peggy Cunningham invited all to Hope and Healing – a ministry to adults and children in the stages of separation, divorce, widowed and single-parenting. For more information, contact pennycunningham@yahoo.com.

Respectfully submitted,

Anne & Larry Feasel,

Secretary

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SAINT STEPHEN’S DIACONAL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

MEETING OF NOVEMBER 28, 2000

MINUTES

Meeting opened with prayer based on Matthew 10: 26-31 led by Deacon John Antenucci.

BASIC NORMS: A “spirited” discussion followed both before and during dinner on our continuing study of the Basic Norms. The focus of the exchange was the nature of the call to service and the church’s role in recognizing that call. Aspects touched upon [some in greater depth] included the universal call to diakonia for all believers, the range of service within the ordained diaconate, gender and calling, balancing sacramental and service ministries within the diaconate, the inter-relationship between marriage and the permanent diaconate, and ministries when a deacon is in a ‘desert experience’ following a change in pastor.

 RETREAT REPORT: Deacon John distributed both an attendance/financial report and a summary of the evaluations completed by those who were attendance. In summary:

-          Attendance:  51 attended the full weekend

   24 were present for Saturday only [predominantly those in

formation]

                        While this attendance is excellent, it was noted that the capacity of Stella

Maris is 55. At some point we may either have to move to a larger facility

or make arrangements for overflow housing at area hotels/motels or bed and breakfasts.

-          Finances:  Expenses exceeded receipts by $234.11.

-          Evaluations: Were quite positive.

-          Next Retreat: Potential retreat leaders include Fr. Walter Burkhardt [preaching the just word] and a priest from the Mount Carmel Retreat Center in Niagara Falls.

 SSDCA OFFICER BACKFILL: A Vice President for the North Eastern area of the diocese [Wayne/Cayuga Counties] is still needed and will be discussed at the January meeting.  

 TREASURER’S REPORT: A spreadsheet for the January-November time period was presented.  In summary, SSDCA is in the black by #3,427.86. $2.7k of that is in a Vista account.

 DUES: There was an extended discussion on the need/advisability/scale of a dues increase. The need for a larger treasury to provide seed money for more programs was contrasted with the impact of an increase might have on members. A listing of those who have paid the dues for calendar year 2000 was distributed. It was noted that the retirees and about 1/3 of those in active ministry have paid. It was agreed that a follow-up letter should go out to those who have not responded to the first solicitation requesting their support. Also a committee composed of Deacons Coccia and Lombard was appointed to look into the dues structure.

 COMMUNITY INPUT AT MEETINGS: While it was recognized that all our meetings are open, it was further agreed that there should be two or three opportunities during the year for all to participate. The Annual Retreat and the Diocesan Convocation provide two. A third at our meetings in February or March might round it out. 

DONATION TO KATIE ALMETER SCHOLARSHIP FUND: A $100 donation along with an expression of our condolences was unanimously approved. 

DIACONAL CONVOCATION: Mark your calendars for Saturday, 12 May 2001.

 DEACON DAVE PALMA’S REPORT: Deacon Dave updated us on the following:

 a.      Deacon Relief – the Saint Lawrence Fund: A committee of the Deacon Personnel Board has rendered its report, which will be forwarded to Father Joseph Hart and then to Bishop Matthew. It is hoped that approval can be gained so that it may be introduced at the Diaconal Convocation in May. A three-person board would be established to make disbursements. All such disbursements would be either a grant or a loan made on a confidential basis. The funds would be raised by the diaconal community – deacons helping each other in justice and charity. Fund raising might include the proceeds from an Annual Deacon’s Dinner. Contribution (s) from SSDCA was also mentioned.

b.      Burial of Deacons: Another committee of the Deacon Personnel Board is looking into a policy for interment of deacons and their spouses at Holy Sepulcher and three regional cemeteries.  This might be in the form of a Deacon’s Plot. Once again, it is hoped that this can be worked out before the Diaconal Convocation.

c.      Formation Community – Acolyte and lector: These abilities will be conferred at the 11:30 AM Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral on 14 January 2001.  The community is invited.

d.      Deacon Personnel Policies: Are on hold pending Vatican approval of the formation documents. In the interim, some appointments are being made on a three-year basis for those coming up on retirement.

e.      Priest Study Group: All priest appointments have been suspended through the end of June so that this group can complete a study on allocation of priests. Deacons Palma and Kinsky are on this study group. Topics to be discussed will include appointment of Full Time Deacons and regional considerations in the assignment of deacons.

f.        Diaconal Interest Meetings: Thirty-five came to the meetings, many on the recommendation of current deacons.

Deacon Dave summed up his comments saying that on many long-term issues “we are at a different place” with regard to potential resolutions and should be optimistic. All should pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Lastly, Dave underscored that SSDCA is a “catalyst for good attitudes”.

NEXT MEETING: 23 January 2001 at Pronti’s in Geneva.

Respectfully submitted,

 Anne and Larry Feasel,

Secretary

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SAINT STEPHEN’S DIACONAL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

JANUARY 23, 2001

MEETING MINUTES 

STUDY OF BASIC NORMS: The focus of this month’s exchange was the Aspirancy phase and the discussion focused on this period from the interest meeting to the propaedeutic period.  It was noted that the regional interest meetings were quite successful and now there is follow through with those who were in attendance.

 RETREAT 2001: Discussion of this item was postponed to the next meeting.

 REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT - EASTERN FINGER LAKES: Bob and Cecelia Cyrana were welcomed and the opportunities the position involves were discussed.

 DUES INCREASE: Angelo Coccia reported on the study of this since the last meeting. Considerations included:

> a dues increase should be on the basis of actual need, not on the fact that there hasn’t been an increase in a long time

> perhaps there should be one rate per family - not per individual

> perhaps widows should have free membership.

> dues should relate directly to actual program costs

 After extensive discussion, it was moved [Angelo Coccia & Bob Cyrana] and approved to table action pending a report from the Treasurer on the status of a follow-up solicitation letter to those who have not paid dues to date. 

TREASURER’S REPORT: Discussion of this item was postponed to the next meeting.

 COMMUNITY MEETING: In addition to the meetings at the May Convocation and the October Retreat, it was agreed to offer two community meetings during the winter. For this year it was agreed to hold these in:

                        Rochester - 27 February, and

                        Elmira - 27 March.

 DONATION: A motion [Bob Cyrana / John Tomandl] to approve a donation at the customary level to Meals on Wheel in memory of Tom Schrage’s father was approved unanimously.

 SSDCA SUPPORT FOR ORIENTATION MEETINGS AND DAYS OF REFLECTION: A motion [Cecelia Cyrana & Carol Tomandl] was made for the Association to coordinate for members to support the information/orientation meetings and the lunches during the days of reflection for inquirers.

 DIRECTOR OF DEACON PERSONNEL: Dave Palma updated the Board on:

> Canonical Retreat: Will be held 21-25 March at Notre Dame Retreat House. The Association support on Saturday Evening, 24 March will be appreciated.

 > Convocation: Will be held on Saturday, 12 May at Monroe Community Hospital. The principal speaker will be Fr. Joseph Burke, SJ., a licensed therapist who teaches at Canisus College in Buffalo and works with diaconal candidates at the Seminary in Buffalo. He will also be the retreat master for the Canonical Retreat.

 > Saint Lawrence Fund: Verbal approval has been given and the proposal is awaiting signature. This freestanding entity with its own board will be described at the convocation in May.

 > Personnel Policies: Are on-hold pending approval of the Basic Norms.

> Diaconal Visibility: Dave spoke of the greater awareness of the Diaconate in the Diocese and greater community as evidenced by:

+ news media coverage of the conferral of the ministries of lector and acolyte earlier this month at the Cathedral

+ scheduling diaconal orientation / information throughout the diocese and the resulting turnout

+ more coverage in the Catholic Courier

+ diaconal involvement on Diocesan Commissions [liturgy and priest assignment study]

Talking papers are now being developed for all making presentations on the diaconate so that we send a consistent message.

 Respectfully submitted,

 Anne and Larry Feasel

Secretary                  

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SAINT STEPHEN’S DIACONAL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

FEBRUARY 27, 2001

MEETING MINUTES

STUDY OF BASIC NORMS: The dimensions of diaconal formation  [human, spiritual, doctrinal (academic) and pastoral] were the foci of this month’s rich exchange. Developments in the Formation Study Group were discussed as well as the need for community. Great improvements were noted in Bishop Matthew’s interest and support, the Canonical Retreat and the fact that the formation group joined us for part of last year’s SSDCA Retreat. Other points made included:

Ø      How do we grow spiritually other than through the retreat?

Ø     We need to emphasize the Deacon as a relational person. A group from the community will be convening on this next month. One outcome may be a program which provides ministry to deacons.

Ø      “What happened to the fishermen?” Is formation overly academic? 

 RETREAT 2001: Will be held October 26-28 at Stella Maris Retreat Center. Walter J. Burkhardt. SJ. and Fr. Ray Kemp [Archdiocese of Washington will be the Retreat Masters on the theme of Preaching the Just Word. The financing of this was discussed. All agreed that the cost per person would have to increase. A draft cost estimate will be explored at the next meeting. The idea of having two rates for the retreat – one for fee-paying members and another for those in arrears – was briefly discussed.

 DUES INCREASE: A “Rationale for Dues Increase” was distributed and discussed. After a full sharing by board members two motions were made. The first motion was to discontinue dues for widows. It passed unanimously. The second was to increase dues effective 1 July 2001 to $40 per couple, $20 per person. This motion passed.

TREASURER’S REPORT: An update through February 26^th was distributed. The balance as of that report was $3,393.52.  After discussion it was agreed that a letter should be sent out within the next ten days to those who have yet to pay the membership fee for this year.

ROCHESTER AREA VICE-PRESIDENT’S RESPONSIBILITIES: There was a discussion of the impossible workload of the Rochester Area Vice President since there are approximately 80 deacons in the area. It was agreed that the regional vice-presidents should discuss representation throughout the diocese and come back to the Executive Committee with a recommendation.

ROCHESTER MEETING LOCATION: The use of Dandrea’s Restaurant for the dinner and Rochester area community meeting was discussed. Deacon Coccia will pursue this.

COMMENTS FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER:

            Deacon Lombard had breakfast with Deacon Dwyer and reported that Joe looks great. He is walking with a cane. Also to has a new assignment at St. Helen’s.

            Your Secretaries are grandparents of twins.

 DEACON DIRECTOR’S COMMENTS:

1.      St. Lawrence Fund: Is in final review by the civil and canon lawyers.

 2.      Day with the Bishop: Dave requested that the association have a table and that the President be prepared to report on organizational activities.

 3.      Assignments: Requests for deacons are coming in. In some cases they are from planning regions. The needs are great.
 

NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, April 3d with the Southern Tier Diaconal Community in Elmira. Details will follow.

Respectfully submitted,

Anne and Larry Feasel

Secretary

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SAINT STEPHEN’S DIACONAL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

APRIL 3, 2001 MEETING

MINUTES

The meeting was convened at 7:40 PM. We were blessed with the presence and participation of eight deacons and spouses from the Southern Tier at this meeting. After Opening Prayer, the agenda was adjusted as follows:

STUDY OF BASIC NORMS: Held over to the next meeting.

COMMENTS FROM THE DIRECTOR OF DEACON PERSONNEL: Deacon Dave Palma shared the following:

Ø      Day with the Bishop: Registration forms are out for this annual event to be held on Saturday, May 12^th at Monroe Community Hospital. Fr. Joseph Burke, SJ. will be the keynoter. Bishop Matthew will share his thoughts on the bishop’s relationship with deacons.

Ø      Applications: Diaconate interest meetings which were held regionally identified twenty-one interested individuals. Thirteen have applied and four declared that they will apply next year. Four of the thirteen applicants are from the Southern Tier. 

Ø      Ordination: It is anticipated that five will be ordained on Saturday, June 9^th.

Ø      Term of Appointment: With this round coming up, assignments will be for three years.

Ø      Those Completing Twelve Years: Deacons in this category will be invited to meet with Dave and the Deacon Personnel Board.

Ø      Diaconal News Update: Call 1-800-388-7177, Extension 399. Information is updated weekly.

SHARINGS FROM THE GROUP

Ø      Regional Social Gathering/Fellowship: A get together for deacons and their spouses from Bath to Appalachian was discussed and agreed to. Deacon Bob Stowell agreed to take this on.

Ø      St. Stephen’s Association Retreat: It was suggested that a better time for those with families be looked into. Also it was suggested that a deacon couple serve as retreat masters at some time in the future. 

Ø      Community Picnic: The Deacon Personnel Board and this organization are looking into holding a picnic in the last two weeks of August at a central location. Those present were supportive and suggested locations at the northern end of the Finger Lakes.

Ø      Twentieth Anniversary of First Ordination Class: It was suggested that a celebration might be in order!  There was agreement on this and the organization will work on it with Deacon Dave Palma and the Deacon Personnel Board.

Ø      St. Lawrence Fund: There was a question about the status of the disaster or relief fund.  Deacon Dave Palma briefed those present that the St. Lawrence Fund has received a go-ahead from the attorneys. It will provide grants and no-interest loans on a confidential basis. Its activities will be conducted by a Board which includes representatives from the Finger Lakes, Monroe County and the Southern Tier.

Ø      Support Group: Deacon Greg Sampson is still welcoming responses on his support group interest survey. A diocesan diaconal chat room was also suggested. Lastly, the international diaconal exchange courtesy of Deacon Mike Mangione is  http://faswebdesign.dns2go.com/Religion/default.asp

Ø      Maximum Age for Ordination: Sixty-two is the maximum age, but consideration will be made for an exceptional person over that age. 

Ø      Relationships in Ministry: A need for discussions on this was voiced. Deacon Dave Palma indicated that he is always ready to discuss this on a 1:1 basis.

Ø      Liturgical Changes/New Roman Missal: The need for education on these was also voiced.   

BUSINESS MEETING

Ø      Retreat 2001: Deacon Dick Lombard reported that the theme will be ‘Preaching the Just Word’ and the retreat masters will be Fr. Walter Burkhardt, SJ. and Fr. Kemp. Expenses will be significantly higher. Assuming seventy attendees, the cost could be $115 per registrant. He asked those present if this would be a burden? Consensus seemed to be that it would not. The diocese will contribute to the costs. There was also a suggestion that the Campaign for Human Development be contacted for a contribution to the costs.

Ø      Treasurer’s Report: The Treasurer’s Report through 4/1/01 and a Dues Summary Sheet were distributed and approved. Deacon Dick underscored that we should make an annual contribution to the St. Lawrence Fund and that the organization can absorb some of the Retreat expense. These will affect the organization’s bottom-line in the future.

Ø      Splitting Rochester Region into East and West: Deacon John Antenucci asked for a motion to split the Monroe County Regional Vice Presidency into east and west regions given the number of Deacons resident there and the impossibility of one Deacon couple coordinating that area. The motion was made, seconded and passed unanimously.

Ø      Appointment of New Regional Vice Presidents:  Deacon John will be looking for deacon couples interested in becoming VP for Monroe County East and Monroe County West.  

The meeting adjourned with prayer and 9:45 PM.

NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, May 22d at Pronti’s in Geneva

Respectfully submitted,

Anne and Larry Feasel,

Secretary

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SAINT STEPHEN’S DIACONAL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

BOARD MEETING

TUESDAY, MAY 22^ND 2001

MINUTES

Opening Prayer was led by Deacon John Tomandl.

STUDY OF BASIC NORMS:  Discussion continued on formation. All were asked to think about the need and parameters for continuing formation of deacons throughout their years of service for discussion at our next meeting – pp 75-87..

RETREAT 2001: It was noted that some deacon couples were ready to sign-up at the Deacon’s Day with the Bishop! Our discussion focused on the level of subsidy the organization might commit to keep the costs down. A motion to authorize a subsidy of $750 [Feasel/Tomandl] was approved unanimously. A question was raised about attendance by others. It was agreed that those involved in the formation of deacons would be most welcome, but may need to reside off-site.

REGIONAL VICE-PRESIDENTS:

Ø     Tom and Margaret Cleary were welcomed as the new Vice-President for Rochester/East.

Ø     Three couples were identified as potential candidates for Vice-President for Rochester/West.

Ø     Deacon Bob Cyrana volunteered to draft a job description for the Regional Vice-Presidents.

SUMMER GATHERING OF THE COMMUNITY: The Tomandl's volunteered to work with the Kiley's in planning this for Cayuga Lake State Park.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Was accepted as distributed. A draft letter for the next dues cycle is being developed.

REVIEW OF THE DAY WITH THE BISHOP: One hundred and seventy-one were in attendance! Father Burke’s keynote, Bishop Matthew’s presentation and impromptu answer to a question on diaconal spirituality, the small group sessions, the Q&A, the horseshoe shaped seating which enabled all to be closer, the meals and the Deacon Survivor activity which challenged the Lawrence Tribe and the Stephen Tribe to out-serve one another in the corporal works of mercy – all received high marks. Two suggestions emerged from our review and fond memories of the day:

Ø     Bishop Matthew could be asked to serve as a future Retreat Master.

Ø     SSDCA should have a banner for our information table and regional gatherings. Roni Antenucci and Margaret Cleary volunteered to take this on.

NEW BUSINESS:

            Donation in memory of Peg Verkon: $50 was approved.

            Next Dues Mailing: Will be in July.

            Deacon Stan Zawacki Award: The community has been asked to nominate

individuals. Ten names have been placed in nomination as of this meeting.

Decision will be made at the August meeting.

            Xerox Copier: The organization has one. Disposition will be discussed at an

upcoming meeting.

            Length of Meetings: It was agreed that meetings are running too late in the

evenings. Two actions were taken. Meetings will have a 9:30

adjournment. Regional meetings will have a special agenda, rather than

the routine monthly agenda.

 Director’s Comments: Deacon Dave Palma shared the following:

            Newsletter: Should be out in early June.

            Diaconal Master Calendar: An annual calendar is being developed. It would be great if SSDCA’s meeting and event dates could be included.

            St. Lawrence Fund: Is open with an initial capitalization of $100. Donations

came be made to the Diocese of Rochester with the notation ‘for the St.

Lawrence Fund’.

            Next group in formation:

                        80 requested information

                        42 attended the information meetings

                        21 participated in the Day of Retreat

                        13 applied

                          7 are being recommended to Bishop Matthew

                          2 are deferred 

Respectfully submitted,

Anne & Larry Feasel 

LWF/s

Ssdcaminmay01

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SAINT STEPHEN’S DIACONAL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

MEETING OF JUNE 26, 2001

MINUTES

PRESENT: John Antenucci, Dick & Rose Marie Lombard, John and Carole Tomandl, Tom and Margaret Cleary, Larry Feasel

Opening prayer was shared.

STUDY OF BASIC NORMS: There was a spirited discussion on the juridical status of the deacon. The quote of the evening came from John Tomandl: “we are a symbol people of a symbol God”.

RETREAT REPORT: Dick Lombard distributed a fact sheet reflecting anticipated expenses, current committed underwriting, a recommended cost structure and the bottom-line based on forty, fifty and sixty retreatants. Underwriting support to date comes from the association, the diocese and the Catholic Family Center.

            Discussion focused on the maximum number of retreatants. Dick Lombard voiced continuing frustration in getting a definitive number from the Retreat House. After discussion it was agreed that the number which can be fed should be the maximum number planned on. Other areas of agreement included:

Ø      members who cannot afford the cost will not be denied registration, and this will be reflected in the letter announcing the details of the retreat

Ø      the letter to the membership will go out by August 8 so that registrations may be received at the August 12^th picnic

Ø      John Tomandl will contact the Retreat House staff to firm up the maximum number which can be fed and will make arrangements with an area motel for overflow accommodations once the Retreat House is full.

MONROE WEST VICE PRESIDENT: Rose Marie Lombard will continue to call. As of this meeting, one of the three couples identified at the May meeting has declined.

AUGUST 12^TH DIACONAL PICNIC: John Tomandl reported that the deposit has been paid for Cayuga Lake State Park and arrangements have been made to obtain the chicken dinners. There have been some cross-communications with the contacts from our co-sponsor – the Deacon Personnel Board, but John is in the process of  resolving these. It was also noted that many of our officers will be on vacation on the 12^th.

TREASURER’S REPORT: A formal report was deferred till the next meeting since the bank has yet to provide a comprehensive report. Dick Lombard is working with them since he is now receiving reports on other diocesan accounts!! Nonetheless, there “appears to be” $1,338.51 in the checking account. The annual dues solicitation letter will go out in early July.

NEW BUSINESS:

A. STAN ZAWACKI AWARD:

Ø      Nominees: Six have been nominated as of the meeting.

Ø      Award Presentation: Some have suggested that it would be most appropriate to present the award at the Deacons’ Day with the Bishop in May. It was agreed to present the 2001 Award at the SSDCA Retreat in October. For 2002, however, the nomination process would be held during the Winter and the award presented at the Deacons’ Day with the Bishop.

B.     REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS

Ø      Job Description: A draft prepared by Bob Cyrana was circulated, briefly discussed and referred to the regional Vice-Presidents for review and recommendation back to the Board.

Ø      Areas of Responsibility: There was a discussion of the geographical areas of responsibility for each Vice-President. It was agreed that the regions created within the diocese would probably be the best. John Tomandl will bring the diocesan map to the next meeting.

Ø      Vacancies: Two Vice-Presidencies are currently vacant – Monroe West and Eastern Lakes. Rose Marie Lombard is working on Monroe West. John Tomandl will make calls on Eastern Lakes.

Ø      Organization Chart: Will be finalized at the next meeting. A draft is the First Attachment to this report.

C.     FUTURE MEETING DATES: Dates were projected for August, 2001 to June, 2002 so that they may be included in a comprehensive Diaconal Calendar being prepared by Dave Palma. These dates are the second attachment to this report.

Closing Prayer was shared and the meeting adjourned at 9:20 PM.

Respectfully submitted, 

Anne & Larry Feasel

LWF/s

2 Attachments -

ATTACHMENT A: Organization Chart [Draft]

 ATTACHMENT B: SSDCA Calendar [August, 2001 to June, 2002]