Catholic Diocese of Spokane, Washington
Office of the Permanent Diaconate

Present: Deacons Tom Heafey, John Ruscheinsky, David Dudinski, Eric Meisfjord, and Alvin Toulou; Jeannie Toulou; Bishop William S. Skylstad; Deacon John Sicilia.
Absent: Dora Beraza, and Deacons Mike Breier, Ken Dunlap, Bob Kalinowski, and Don Whitney.

The meeting was called to order at approximately 10:02 a.m. by the Council’s president, Tom Heafey, in the library at Bishop White Seminary. Bishop Skylstad led the opening prayer, taken from the opening session of Vatican II.

In his introductory remarks, Deacon Heafey expressed his enjoyment of his three years on the council, the last year as president. He noted that Deacon Kelly Stewart is chair of the life and ministries committee. Tom called for discussion of the best way to notify deacons in general and the council members in particular of upcoming events: e-mail, snail mail, a phone tree, a combination.

New members of the Council are Deacons John Ruscheinsky, Mike Breier, and David Dudinsky. Outgoing members are Deacons Tom Heafey and Bob Kalinowski.

Bishop Skylstad noted the revived deacon newsletter and the diocesan policy for deacons, now approved and in place.

He spoke regarding the need for continuing education/continuing formation. The latter distinction is important; we are called to a lifelong journey of faith and conversion, not just acquisition of additional information.

He further senses a strong call for deacons to be present to one another, to commit time to one another – in a way, a sense of fraternity.

The bishop expressed his thanks for deacon ministry as its importance increases in the coming days, particularly as priest staffing needs become more acute.

Deacon John Sicilia, Director of Deacons, reinforced the bishop’s words regarding continuing formation, and pointed out that the new Directory for deacons from the USCCB calls for precisely that.

Father Steve Dublinski, vicar general of the diocese and chair of the diocesan liturgical commission, has agreed to provide a workshop at an as yet undetermined location and date regarding the changes found in the revised General Instruction on the Roman Missal (or GIRM, as it is more casually characterized).

Personnel updates: Deacon Mike Samuel is now involved in ministry in the Archdiocese of Seattle. He has begun the process of excardination from this diocese and incardination into the Seattle Archdiocese. (The difference? It depends on where you’re standing.) Deacon John Riherd is involved in ministry in the Archdiocese of Portland, where he and his wife, Mary, are now residing. Deacon “Mac” Mackin is back in town.

The present formation class: Nine men have begun the third year of formation. Another nine are in formation in Pasco, beginning their second year. Father Mike Kwiatkowski is director of deacon formation in the Spokane program; Msgr. Pedro Ramírez, in Pasco.

A new mentor is needed for a member of the Spokane formation group.

Deacon Sicilia spoke highly of a homily given by Archbishop (now cardinal-designate) Rigali at the meeting of deacon directors last spring. Copies of the homily will be distributed to all deacons for reflection. The homily addresses the deacon’s call to service: We are called, formed, and sent.

Deacon Sicilia encouraged deacons to contact the newsletter regarding events or opportunities in parishes which might be of interest or benefit to deacons, particularly continuing formation/education opportunities. (Editor’s note: The deadline for the next edition of the deacon newsletter is October 24, 2003.)

No specific time has been set for beginning the next deacon formation class. It will depend on the level of interest and number of potential candidates for formation. The present number of potential candidates is not large.

Deacon Heafey called for elections of new officers. A hotly contested election process which involved neither recall vote nor intervention from the Supreme Court found Deacon John Ruscheinsky elected president of the Council. Deacon Eric Meisfjord was elected vice president. In addition, Deacon Meisfjord agreed to continue in his present capacity as secretary of the Council.

Future initiatives for the Council:

Bishop Skylstad suggested an analysis of the deacon community: What are the needs of the community? Where are the ragged edges? How can we continue, and yet keep in balance, with our many ministries and life commitments?

He also asked that future candidates for diaconate be identified to priests, deacons, and other pastoral ministers.

Newly-elected president John Ruscheinsky acknowledged that “it’s great to be part of the diaconal community, building diaconal life.”

The meeting adjourned at approximately 10:45 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Deacon Eric Meisfjord
Secretary, and other stuff