Home/Stay Informed/All Diocesan Articles

All Diocesan Articles

Permanent Diaconate Candidates Complete Summer Pastoral Ministries

Posted on October 13, 2021 in: Vocations

Permanent Diaconate Candidates Complete Summer Pastoral Ministries

To be ordained as a Permanent Deacon in our diocese requires the completion of a five-year program comprising the four dimensions of formation: human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral. Candidates are formed in the human and spiritual dimensions by ordained deacons from the diocese. For their intellectual formation, they attend four years of virtual classes at the Josephinum Diaconate Institute in Columbus, Ohio. In order to address the pastoral dimension of their formation, candidates must complete three ministries. Typically candidates perform their ministries for three months from May to July, and this year our candidates completed their second ministry.

Earlier this year, Deacon Dan D’Amelio did a survey to identify areas of need in the diocese. Deacon Dan compiled a list of areas of pastoral need, and each of our five candidates was assigned to a specific ministry. The candidates were matched to ministries that would be commensurate with their respective skill sets, but in some way be a “stretch” beyond their comfort zone. The ministries varied from soup kitchens to nursing homes to data collection and databases. The results were very profitable, both for the institutions they served and the pastoral formation of the candidates. 

Joseph Delaney made weekly trips to a nursing home, offering a Bible study every week and visiting residents in their rooms. Joe was able to draw residents who rarely socialized out of their rooms, and the director reported that he had a significant effect on one individual who now attends daily Mass. 

Mark Desrosiers also made an impact in the nursing home that he visited weekly. Many of the residents there suffered from the traumatic effects of COVID-19, such as increased isolation and loneliness. Staff reported that Mark was a “bright spot” in the residents’ day and that he also had a significant effect on one resident who was severely depressed before meeting Mark. 

Christopher Hammond researched and cataloged all RCIA resources in the diocese. He contacted RCIA teams in every parish and identified what resources and programs they currently utilize. This list will eventually be posted on the diocesan website as resources for all diocesan RCIA teams. 

David Imhof identified all bereavement support groups within the geographic boundaries of the diocese, including all Catholic parishes and other church denominations. He cataloged when they meet and how they meet - virtually or in person. This list will also be available as a resource on the diocesan website. 

Ronald Krystofic assisted at a soup kitchen with food deliveries, unloading and stocking supplies, and other help needed with food item collecting and disbursement. He also served as a van driver and overall “man Friday” who chipped in whenever and wherever needed. The staff greatly appreciated his service.

Each candidate expressed how meaningful their individual experience was for their growth and awareness of the needs of the diocese. Such awareness is exactly what is desired in a deacon.

Photo by Kathy Hoffman

Photo: Bishop Michael R. Cote bestows the Rite of Candidacy on (from left to right) Ronald Krystofic, Christopher Hammond, Joseph Delaney, Mark Desrosiers, and David Imhof. The ceremony took place at St. Andrew Church, Colchester, on Sunday, April 18. The five men recently completed their summer pastoral ministry assignments.

By Deacon Ben LoCasto


Most Viewed Articles of the Last 30 Days

Watch the 2025 Chrism Mass and Homily by Archbishop Christopher J. Coyne
The 2025 Chrism Mass was celebrated on Wednesday, April 16th, at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich. The Most Rev. Christopher J. Coyne, Apostolic Administrator for the Diocese of Norwich, presided over the sacred liturgy, which marks a highlight of Holy Week. This special Mass featured the blessing of the holy oils—used throughout the year for sacraments such as Baptism, Confirmation, Anointing of the Sick, and Holy Orders—and the Renewal of Priestly Promises by the clergy of the Diocese. We invite you to watch the video of the full Mass, especiall...

Read More

Photos & Video: The Most Rev. Richard F. Reidy Ordained as the Sixth Bishop of Norwich
The Most Reverend Richard F. Reidy was ordained as the Sixth Bishop of Norwich, Connecticut at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29th, 2025 at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick. The gathering filled the cathedral for the Mass of Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Reidy, who comes to Norwich from the Diocese of Worcester, Massachusetts, where he was vicar general. Pope Francis appointed Reidy as Sixth Bishop of Norwich in February.   Click here to see a photo gallery of the Ordination   Click here for more information about Bishop Reidy   Video of the compl...

Read More

Faithful Invited to Witness a Joyous Moment in Diocesan History — Parish Tickets and Livestream Offered
The Diocese of Norwich joyfully awaits the ordination and installation of Bishop-elect Richard F. Reidy as the sixth bishop of Norwich, to be held on Tuesday, April 29, at 2:00 p.m. in the Cathedral of Saint Patrick, Norwich. Due to the limited capacity of the Cathedral, each parish in the diocese has received an allotment of just four tickets per church to distribute. Anyone interested in attending in person must contact their parish office directly. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate ticket requests through the diocesan office. The ordination and installati...

Read More

Celebrating Our Faithful Servants: Priestly Jubilees of 2025
With gratitude and joy, the Diocese of Norwich extends heartfelt congratulations and prayerful best wishes to the priests celebrating milestone anniversaries of their ordination to the sacred priesthood in 2025. These dedicated men have faithfully answered God’s call, each offering years of devoted service to Christ and His Church. Celebrating 65 years of priesthood are Reverend Paul F. Ramen (ordained February 2, 1960) and Reverend John E. Welch, M.S. (May 28, 1960), whose lifetime of ministry continues to inspire. Marking 60 years, Monsignor James Carini (May ...

Read More

Annual Catholic Appeal

ACA DONATE

English

Español

 

Latest Articles
Who Are the Cardinals Who Will Choose the Next Pope?
Prayer for the Election of a New Pope
Photos & Video: The Most Rev. Richard F. Reidy Ordained as the Sixth Bishop of Norwich
Memorial Day Cemetery Mass Schedule
We Can Help. Promise to Protect-Pledge to Heal.
Faith, Fellowship, and Fun for Homeschooling Families
The crucifix and the Pietà - Hope & Faith Series
Calendar of Events

 

Recently Added Galleries
Click to view album: Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Richard F. Reidy
Click to view album: Students Called to Feed the Hungry
Click to view album: 40 Days for Life 2024
Click to view album: Blessing of the Fleet 2024
Signup for Weekly Newsletter

     

    Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich
    201 Broadway
    Norwich, CT 06360-4328
    Phone: 860-887-9294