Diocese's newest deacons eager to begin ministry

Emotions were high before the May 20 ordinations of two new permanent deacons for the Albany Diocese, running the gamut from frayed nerves to joy.

Deacon Charles Wojton told The Evangelist: "I'm nervous! You're always wondering, am I doing the right thing? Am I worthy of it? You pray you have the courage and wisdom."

"The peace is carrying me," remarked Deacon Gary O'Connor. "You go through all sorts of emotions, but I've got a tremendous sense of peace and confidence. I've been called to this ministry, and I will be able to carry out the responsibilities."

They noted that, as the 21st century progresses, their roles in parish life will become even more crucial. Deacons in the Diocese routinely witness marriages, preach at Masses, lead funeral services and counsel troubled souls.

DEACON O'CONNOR

Counseling is one talent Deacon O'Connor brings to the diaconate. A native of Scotia and parishioner of St. Joseph's parish there, he is also a lawyer with the Scotia firm of McGivern, Shaw and O'Connor.

As a lawyer, he said, "a lot of what I do during the workday translates well to the diaconate: counseling, listening, advising."

However, the father of four said it "took a long time" for him to settle on the diaconate. The influence of his father; a close friend; and Rev. Ronald Menty, former pastor of St. Joseph's, boosted his faith and parish involvement, but "I did a lot of prayer and discernment to come to realize I was called to be a deacon," he said.

Wife's support

Deacons' wives attend formation classes along with their husbands, and the Albany Diocese does not accept diaconate candidates if their spouses do not support their vocations.

When he discussed the matter with his wife, Cathy, she supported the idea wholeheartedly.

"She's never wavered," Deacon O'Connor noted; "she recognizes this was meant to be for me."

What's next?

Deacon O'Connor is not sure what form his service ministry will take. He had previously done an internship at St. Margaret Mary parish in Albany and noted that he'd be happy to be assigned there again.

"I work well with youth," he added, explaining that he had coached at least one sports team for each of his children, who are now in their teens and twenties.

Although "awed" by the prospect of taking the final step to become a deacon, Deacon O'Connor admitted he was also impatient: "I'm thankful for the opportunity to serve -- and I can't wait to get going!"

DEACON WOJTON

Deacon Wojton is still explaining to the people he meets exactly what his new title means.

"I did an internship at Christ the King parish in Westmere," he recalled. "People would come out [after Mass] and say, 'Father, how are you?' I'd say, 'I'm not a priest.' Then the next person would say, 'Father, how are you?'"

"Get used to it," another deacon remarked, noting that the function of deacons is still a puzzle to many: A deacon can give a homily at Mass, but not celebrate Mass; he can baptize babies but can't hear Confessions.

Ministry

However, deacons can and do work with the needy, a ministry that interests Deacon Wojton.

A native of Troy, he has been a parishioner of St. Joseph's parish there since 1970, and has often worked with the inner-city poor to provide food, and pay for rent, heat and other necessities.

"It could be you or I," he said. "A lot of stuff we take for granted, they struggle with every day."

Deacon Wojton's background includes other service, as well: He served on a submarine in the Vietnam War and joined the parish council at St. Joseph's in 1976.

Toward Church

He was working in computer operations for the First Albany Corporation when the thought of working for the Church first arose.

His pastor, Rev. Romaeus Cooney, O.Carm., asked him about becoming the parish's business manager. Initially, Deacon Wojton turned him down -- until his company was sold, and he was laid off.

The deacon's parish work grew to include much more than monitoring business practices. He relieves the priests of practical day-to-day duties so they can focus more on the spiritual side of ministry.

Called

As Deacon Wojton became more involved in parish life, Father Cooney asked whether he'd ever considered the diaconate. Through a discernment process, the business manager realized he did have that vocation.

He noted that his wife, Dolores, not only attended formation classes with him, but "is there to support me and reel me back in if I go too far!"

The couple have two children and two grandchildren.

After ordination, Deacon Wojton expects to stay at St. Joseph's. Serving a parish as a deacon, he said, "means I'm fulfilling what God has in store for me: to bring God's message of peace, love and joy to people."

Deacons Wojton and O'Connor noted that Rev. Joseph Cotugno, who was director of the diocesan formation program for the diaconate until his death in April, greatly influenced their journey to the diaconate.

"The Saturday before he died, we had a last formation session with him at Hospice," Deacon O'Connor noted. "He held court for three hours."

What stuck in Deacon Wojton's mind from that final lesson was Father Cotugno's message that a deacon's purpose is to teach the peace, love and joy of Christ. "He was teaching to the end," the new deacon added.

Deacon O'Connor recalled Father Cotugno's commitment to the diaconate community and to serving the Church in the Albany Diocese, saying he was an example of "blooming where you're planted. I hope someday I can reach that level of commitment."

(Deacons Wojton and O'Connor were ordained at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany along with three "transitional" deacons who will eventually become priests. They will be interviewed at that time.)

(5/25/06) [[In-content Ad]]