Catholic Diocese of Spokane, Washington
Office of the Permanent Diaconate

Present: Carol Dahl, Jeannie Toulou; Deacons John Ruscheinsky (Chairman), Eric Meisfjord (Vice Chairman/Secretary), Dave Dudinsky, Ken Dunlap, and John Sicilia (ex officio).
Absent: Deacons Mike Breier, Don Whitney.
Guests: Bishop William Skylstad, Deacon Alvin Toulou.

The meeting began with prayer at approximately 10:08 a.m.

Identification cards for deacons:

Yes, it can be done, and will be, through the diocese’s Communications Office. Notice will be given when the cards are ready to be created. The cards will include a photo I.D. and an expiration date, along with appropriate signatures. N.B.: Such cards do not necessarily open doors or elicit automatic approval.

The Council acknowledged that there are situations when such articles may facilitate effective ministry. With that in mind, plans now call for production of cards to begin by the latter third of June, 2005.

Future deacon retreats:

Deacon Owen Cummings, a theology professor at Mount Angel Seminary in the Portland Archdiocese, will lead the 2006 retreat. The 2006 retreat is mandatory. There was consensus by the Council that future retreat masters should come from outside the diocese, since internal talent is tapped so frequently for the Continuing Education/Formation sessions. Names of future retreat masters should be forwarded to Deacon John Ruscheinsky at Immaculate Heart Retreat Center.

Continuing Education/Formation:

Deacon Meisfjord reported on the work accomplished by Deacon Kelly Stewart in lining up speakers for 2005-2006. Four speakers have agreed to present, one each in September 2005, then January, March, and May 2006. The new Directives for the Life, Ministry and Formation of Permanent Deacons in the United States include a Continuing Education/Formation Component/Requirement. Attendance at the presentations has been consistent, though far from all-inclusive. Response has been positive. The presentations are free, and offer opportunities for fellowship as well as education. Suggestions are welcome. The council expressed great appreciation for this work accomplished by Deacon Stewart and his elves.

Speaking of the Directives, Deacon John Sicilia, Director of Deacons for the Diocese of Spokane, will be making the September presentation noted above. He urged attendance at that presentation (Sept. 28, Wednesday, 7 p.m., St. Charles Parish), when he will discuss and explain the newly approved Directives.

He also urged attendance at the coming deacon ordination, Friday, June 24, Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes, 7 p.m. God willing, seven men will be ordained then. One of their classmates already has been ordained in Walla Walla. God willing, seven men will be ordained next year upon completion of the Spanish-language deacon formation program in Pasco.

The new Directives for the Life, Ministry and Formation of Deacons call for three years of continuing formation after ordination. That process will require involvement by mentors to some degree. (Yes, us.)

He encouraged deacons to submit news and information items to the Deacon Newsletter staff. (Editor’s note: Those items can be submitted through the Communications Office of the Diocese of Spokane. Photo I.D. is not required to submit an item.) On a related note, Bishop Skylstad’s Deacon Newsletter column on the subject of the diaconate and the papacy has been requested for reprint in the newsletter of the National Association of Deacon Directors. Congratulations, Bishop!

There is nothing firm regarding the next formation program. There have been some inquiries from potential candidates, but date, curriculum, staffing, and the like all remain uncertain at this point.

Bishop Skylstad’s comments:

The bishop remarked on the joyful nature of the deacon ordination last month in Walla Walla. These are exciting times. A new class of deacons adds to the excitement.

He pointed out geographical areas of need in terms of deacon presence. A number of priests throughout the diocese have expressed a desire for deacon presence in their parish(es).

The annual Bishop’s Barbecue for deacons and families will be August 9 at the bishop’s residence.

Bishop Skylstad expressed his gratitude for diaconal ministry. He raised the question of vocation awareness among the various communities of the diocese. Can we identify potential future candidates? Can we begin this discussion?

Food for further thought: What can we do to reach out to brother deacons as they age, as their health becomes more frail, or as they become somewhat isolated, due to illness – their own, or that of their spouse? Can we find a way to maintain contact, lest they feel somehow abandoned or ignored?

In the heat of the moment, we forgot to check our clock. But the meeting adjourned at approximately 11:10 a.m.

The next meetings of the Deacon Council:
Saturday, October 8, 2005, 10 a.m., Bishop White Seminary.
Saturday, January 14, 2006, 10 a.m., Bishop White Seminary.

Respectfully submitted,

Deacon Eric Meisfjord
Vice Chairman, Secretary