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Dio SaginawCelebrating the jubilee years of three permanent deacons, the jubilarians, their families and brother deacons joined Bishop Robert Gruss for Mass at the Center for Ministry in Saginaw. Three members of the permanent diaconate are celebrating jubilees this year:
-Deacon Mike Arnold, 50 years. Retired but still serving occasionally at Prince of Peace Parish, Linwood/Kawkawlin.
-David Adler, 45 years. Retired but still serving occasionally at Corpus Christi Parish, Bay City.
-Deacon Jene Baughman, 20 years. Currently serving at St. John Paul II and Mary, Queen of Apostles Parishes in the Diocese of Grand Rapids.
In his homily, Bishop Gruss spoke of St. Stephen, one of the first seven deacons of the Church and the first Christian martyr.
“This bold apologist never shied away from proclaiming and living the Gospel. He fully and freely embraced his call to discipleship. His message of faith, courage, and love still resonates with believers around the world today. He is your role model,” Bishop Gruss said.
He continued, noting that Jesus wants to teach his followers how to be martyrs in today’s world by denying oneself and picking up one’s cross daily
“The spiritual martyrdom of the deacon purifies and perfects not only the deacon … but also the Church to whom he is called to surrender himself. Love and sacrifice are thus united. Service and martyrdom become one,” he said.
The bishop also thanked the deacons and their wives for their commitment to their ministry across the diocese and their witness to the love of Jesus. After Mass, the celebration continued with dinner. Each of the jubilarians shared some thoughts about their years of diaconal service, and each deacon expressed the deep joy they have had in serving others in Christ’s name.
Permanent deacons are ordained in the sacrament of Holy Orders to a threefold ministry of service in Charity, Word and Liturgy. To learn more about the permanent diaconate in the Diocese of Saginaw, visit saginaw.org/become-permanent-deacon or call 989-797-6662.
