Catholic Diocese of Spokane, Washington
Office of the Permanent Diaconate

Members of the Deacon Council present: Deacon John Sicilia, Director of Deacons (ex officio), Deacon John Ruscheinsky (chairman), Deacon Eric Meisfjord (vice-chairman/secretary), Deacon Ken Dunlap, Carol Dahl. Absent: Msgr. Pedro Ramírez (ex officio), Deacon David Dudinsky, Deacon Scott Brockway. Guest: Deacon Don Whitney, whose term on the Council expired with the last meeting.

The meeting began with prayer at approximately 10:03 a.m.

It was moved and seconded that the minutes of the January meeting be approved as read.

First agenda item: The declericalization of the diaconate.

The agenda item was submitted by Deacon Whitney.

Deacon Whitney said that there is confusion regarding correct titles and correct ministerial attire for deacons. It was pointed out by Deacon Sicilia and others that the policy of the Spokane Diocese has been consistent for some number of years now, and has been stated both in the present policy manual for deacons and in the deacon newsletter, in an article signed by Bishop Skylstad. In summary: The correct title for deacons in the Spokane Diocese is either “Deacon John Jones” or “John Jones, Deacon,” especially if your name is John Jones. Wearing of clerical attire by deacons – the “roman collar” – is inappropriate without specific permission from the bishop to a specific deacon for specific ministerial circumstances.

Thirty-five minutes later, Deacon Whitney thanked the Council for its attention to his concerns.

Code of conduct:

There is some confusion about the need or requirement for deacons to update annually their Code of Conduct training. Deacon Sicilia will make the appropriate inquiries to clarify the situation.

Renewal of Deacon Identity Cards:

Deacon identity cards are good for only one year, at the request of the bishop. Please be sure to renew your card, if you wish to have valid deacon identification on your person. Contact the diocese’s Communications Office for details.

Ordinations:

A new class of deacons will be ordained this year, on July 21 (Pasco), July 28 (Connell), and Aug. 5 (Othello). July 7 sees ordinations at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes, Spokane: Deacons Alex Zepeda, Gustavo Ruiz, and Mike Ishida to the priesthood, and Luis Rivera to the diaconate.

Continuing education/formation for deacons:

Suggestions were made for speakers for the upcoming series of Continuing Education/Formation sessions for the deacons. Once confirmed, that schedule will be distributed.

Long-distance learning via the Internet:

Deacon Sicilia has received no input from the Spokane Diocese deacon community about points of interest for long-distance learning. Deacon Gary McSwain, Director of Deacons for Boise Diocese, has been investigating possibilities. The subject is tabled for the time being.

Spokane Diocese Policy and Procedures Manual for Deacons:

Deacon Roy Dahl is “very meticulously” going through the Spokane Diocese manual to make certain it agrees with the National Directory for the Life and Ministry of Deacons, issued last year. When he has completed that work, he will present the results to the Deacon Council. When the Council signs off, it will be given to the bishop for his final approval.

Election of officers for the next meeting:

The Council will vote for its officers at the October meeting. (Parenthetically, Jeannie Toulou has been re-appointed to the Council, by Deacon Sicilia.)

Retreat updates:

Deacon Ruscheinsky reported that about 32 individuals attended the Deacon Retreat this year at Immaculate Heart Retreat Center. Deacon Owen Cummings of the Portland Archdiocese, a professor of systematic theology at Mt. Angel Seminary, gave the retreat. Many participants expressed a desire for his return. He has indicated a willingness to do so.

Future deacon retreats: Bishop Joseph Tyson, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Seattle, has been scheduled for March 9-11, 2007. Father Thomas Dubay, a priest from Washington, D.C., will present on April 25-27, 2008. His topic: Contemplative prayer.

Other business:

Bishop Skylstad will be hosting the deacons and families for his annual barbecue, at his residence, on Friday, Aug. 11, at 6 p.m.

Future council meeting dates (all Saturdays, 10 a.m., Bishop White Seminary):

October 14, 2006; January 13, 2007; June 9, 2007

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned, with prayer, at approximately 11:04 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Eric Meisfjord, Deacon
Vice chairman of and secretary to the Council