Five men become deacons

Love for the Church, a desire to use their gifts to benefit others and a sense of ministry led five men to the permanent diaconate in the Albany Diocese, and Bishop Howard J. Hubbard ordained them Sept. 25 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany:

* Frank Berning of Scotia (his wife's name is Diane),

* James Bower of Ilion (Diana),

* Eugene Kelenski of Clifton Park (Katherine),

* Warren Safford of Wynantskill (Stephanie), and

* Edward Solomon of Delmar (Karen).

Journeys

Deacon Safford entered the Catholic Church through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), which he called "the most inspiring moments in my faith journey. This experience of Easter joy has kept me involved in the RCIA ever since and fueled my desire to grow in ministry."

As a deacon, he hopes "to extend the welcome that I have received in ways that will convey the value and joy of having our lives anchored faithfully in Christ through the Church.

"This message of faith in Christ could not be more timely in this age of rapid change."

Conversion

Deacon Kelenski told The Evangelist that "about 20 years ago, I became aware of the importance of service in my life, for both spiritual balance and personal growth."

A member of St. Edward's parish in Clifton Park, he said that "it would be impossible to list all the friends and family who were so supportive" as he considered diaconate training. Then something significant happened: his wife, Kathy, who was not a Catholic, "decided, on her own, to come into full community with the Catholic Church."

Looking to his future ministry, Deacon Kelenski noted, "I have taught in the Shenendehowa School system for more than 30 years in the junior high and middle school levels. I believe that, in the past, I have brought hope and enthusiasm into my relationships with both students and staff. My goal as a deacon is to bring that same energy to public ministry, encouraging others to consider service to God and to all His people as an avenue to spiritual growth and balance."

Encouragement

Deacon Solomon was encouraged to consider ordination by several people during the Formation for Ministry program (see page 15).

"These individuals helped me to see the gifts that the Lord has given me," he said, "and how they might be of service to the Church and the wider community. That experience confirms for me how important it is for all of us to affirm the gifts that we see in each other and to encourage the use of those gifts."

Deacon Solomon called "public ministry -- for that matter, all ministry -- a humbling experience. My hope is that I will be able to share the great joy that the Lord brings to my life with others, that I may faithfully witness to the Good News in a world that is so fraught with bad news, and that I may have the foot-washing kind of love that Jesus' whole life exemplified."

(9/30/04)