Bishop Mark: Permanent deacons should wear grey clerical attire

Candidate for permanent deacon Timothy Kilpeck gives the promise of obedience to Bishop Mark O’Connell during the Mass of Ordination to the Priesthood and the Diaconate on May 16 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany. (Cindy Schultz photo for The Evangelist) (Courtesy photo of CINDY SCHULTZ)

In a letter to the permanent deacons of the Diocese of Albany, Bishop Mark O’Connell has announced that grey clerical attire will be reserved for the permanent deacon.

“Many dioceses have adopted this practice, and I encourage you to wear grey clerical shirts when you are performing your duties as a permanent deacon,” Bishop Mark said in the letter to the permanent deacons. “The introduction of the clerical shirts will help to draw special attention to the deacons and their unique leadership and ministerial role in the Church through the Sacrament of Holy Orders. That symbol (the clerical shirt) is very important to people, and it does show that unified commitment to service and faith that our church conveys. The grey shirt will be reserved for the deacon.

“I plan to communicate this to the People of God in Albany. A new policy will be implemented stating that when deacons choose to wear clerics in performance of their duties and functions as a member of the Church’s clergy that they will wear a grey clerical shirt. As has happened in other dioceses, I trust our Catholic faithful will quickly become familiar with the practice and will recognize you as a deacon — for instance, when you enter a hospital room. At first, some may still assume you are a priest, but they will soon learn to find comfort in the presence of a permanent deacon. If you wear clerical attire in any of our jails or prisons, please check with the facility in advance. I have already spoken with the deputy commissioner, who confirmed that grey clerical shirts are acceptable for clergy.”

Bishop Mark added that he is asking priests “not to wear grey clerical attire. Black is always the preferred color for you.”