Deacon willing to serve even though he's retired

Materials on "Called to be Church," the two-year effort underway to plan for the future of the Albany Diocese, note that one aspect of such planning is making better use of retired priests.

Deacon Walter Rehder and his wife, Ann, believe that the talents of retired deacons and laity can be put to good use, too.

Deacon Rehder has served at Holy Trinity parish in Schaghticoke since his ordination in 1986. He continues to be listed in the Albany diocesan directory as the parish's deacon even though he has officially retired.

Involvement

The Rehders have been involved in parish ministries for decades.

"I came here, newly married, in 1955," Deacon Rehder boasted. The couple -- he, a guidance counselor, and she, a biology teacher -- became active in the Albany Diocese's "Renew" faith-sharing program in the late 1970s and taught religious education as they raised their own three children.

Then both were drafted to help write a diocesan curriculum for teaching human sexuality. That turned into a five-year process, during which they met a deacon and his wife.

"Neither of us knew much about the diaconate," said Mrs. Rehder; but "I think I had a call," her husband finished.

Two for one

Deacons' wives often note that they're as involved in ministry as their husbands, and that was certainly true for the Rehders. Mrs. Rehder attended formation classes along with her husband, and is still Holy Trinity's sexton along with participating in other ministries.

Husband and wife pointed out that, in a 500-member parish, everyone pitches in to keep things running.

"We do everything together. People say we're joined at the hip," Mrs. Rehder remarked, laughing.

Over the years, the couple has helped to found a parish RCIA program for people interested in joining the Church. Deacon Rehder also visited shut-ins and preached at Holy Trinity.

Retired?

About three years ago, the deacon retired. But, as his wife readily pointed out, "I don't think anyone that has committed their life to serving the Lord and the Church gives up willingly. Retirement is something 'for tomorrow, when I'm old.'"

In fact, even at 80, Deacon Rehder said that "just having my finger" on the pulse of parish life is helpful. He's available "when someone's looking for a vital answer or just needs to talk."

He described his ministry as "kind of ongoing, but not formalized."

Pitching in

The Rehders noted that, in most parishes, the same group of laity, clergy and religious tend to keep helping out with parish ministries, no matter their age. That willingness to keep contributing will be a boon to the Diocese as "Called to be Church" moves forward, they agreed.

Apparently, they aren't the only ones who feel that way: "There's a deacon in our support group; I think they'll put a toe tag on him before he stops," Mrs. Rehder joked. "A lot depends on how you age."

"You've got to be flexible in this busy society," Deacon Rehder stated.

(Because deacons can perform some sacraments, Deacon Rehder has been able to baptize some of his grandchildren.)

Deacon Rehder's retirement arrived with a bang: On Easter Sunday three years ago, a mixup resulted in no priest being available for one Mass.

The deacon, who had attended every parish Mass that weekend to help out, ended up leading a communion service and even preaching with no preparation.

"The Holy Spirit helps you at times like that," he said with a smile. "It was my swan song." (KB)

(10/12/06)