FALL 2019 DeaconServant - archmil

DeaconServant

Director’s Report ............ 1

Diaconate Formation ..... 1

Rest in Peace ................... 2

Deacon Day 2019 ............ 3

Know your Deacon ......... 3

Time for Reflection ......... 4

Should I or Shouldn’t I? .. 5

Deacon Personnel Board ............. 6

Deacon Senate ................ 6

Prayer Requests .............. 7

Dates to Remember .......... 7

Greetings to all from our “new” deacon newsletter: “The Deacon Servant.”After some discussion with Dcn. Dale Nees (`09), Director of Deacon Formation, and the Communications Department of the Archdiocese of

Milwaukee, we have decided to combine the efforts of Deacon Services and Deacon Formation to publish one deacon newsletter. Deacon Talk (Services) and The Servant (Formation) will now be called The Deacon Servant.We plan to publish The Deacon Servant four times per year to help keep all of you informed about the activities of the diaconate community. The archdiocesan Communications Office took over publishing Deacon Talk in 2018, and has done a marvelous job in putting together a professional and eye pleasing publication.

Combining with The Servant newsletter will give the Formation Office the same great look.There is, however, more than practical benefits at work with this combined effort. We are ONE Diaconate, serving ONE Church and ONE Savior. We are not just the “18 month wonders,” the “old” model or “new” model. We are not a Hispanic diaconate or an Anglo diaconate. We are ONE Diaconate with one mission: to make disciples of all nations.Please send Dale or me your comments, suggestions, or ideas on this new effort. As anything new, it is a work-in-progress.As always, your contributions to The Deacon Servant are welcome. Of course, we will take into consideration space and content, but would welcome news items, ministerial experiences or opportunities, as well as personal reflections.We hope you enjoy our first publication of The Deacon Servant.

— Deacon Mike Chmielewski

In looking at the past year, we have had some very exciting times in Diaconate Formation. The formation team has welcomed many new innovations:

• Used distance learning tools for IntellectualFormation

• Used Survey Monkey to facilitate faculty andpeer evaluations

• Trained deacon and wife mentors, whichincreased the number of available mentorsfor aspirants, candidates, and their wives

• Initiated the concept of tutors to assist withareas such as Theological Reflection

• Evaluated and revamped the Wives’Formation Program

• Increased the personal communication andfeedback to/with pastors

• Creatively collaborated with DeaconServices on such items as the first additionof this unified diaconal newsletter and begansome opportunities for more formationaldialogue with our transitional brothers and future co-ministers

• Assured that we have Discernment Sessionsin every region, including a Spanishspeaking-only option, throughout the year

• Promoted hour-long information sessionsthroughout the archdiocese prior to the FallDiscernment Sessions

Director’s Report

Diaconate Formation

COUNCIL of DEACONS NEWSLETTER | ARCHDIOCESE of MILWAUKEE

FALL 2019

u See DIACONATE FORMATION(continued on page 2)

Deacon Mike Chmielewski

In this Issue:

The

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THE Deacon Servant | FALL 2019

We have adopted the habit of thinking in new ways, which was a hallmark of the Second Vatican Council, while remaining grounded in expectations set forth by the National Directory for the Formation, Ministry, and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States. And, if this list is not extensive enough, I recently gathered with Directors of Diaconate Formation from across the country at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio for the National Directory Institute (NDI). I returned home with so much good information on formation. Among the numerous pages of notes, a thumb drive with all the documents and presentations from the seminar, and a wealth of practical experience from these wise and committed men, I came away with a list of 20 things we would do well to review, prioritize, and consider. This certainly will not be an overnight process and it strongly suggests the importance of restoring a Formation Policy Board to advise to the program. We are also pleased to announce that 17 men were admitted to candidacy through the Rite of Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders to the Permanent Diaconates on September 7, 2019. They are as follows: Thomas J. Binder, Arnold M. Bryson II,

Jerome T. Campbell II, James G. Casserly, Michael P. Dunn, Brent A. Enwright, Jon S. Gabik, Jeffrey A. Kucharski, ManuelMaldonado-Villalobos, Jason L. Myres,Michael A. Reesman, Raul V. Rueda-Pelayo, Michael Skupien, Edward Sosa,Lance C. Tappa, John G. Van Zeeland, andBrian J. Witteman.The Most Reverend Jeffery R. Haines, presided and was joined by six concelebrating pastors: Very Rev. Paul B. Hartmann, Rev. Patrick E. Heppe,Rev. Michael A. Ignaszak, Rev. Aaron R.Laskiewicz, Rev. Juan Manuel Camacho,and Rev. Oriol Regales Vallverdu. TheRite was followed by a delightful lunchand a joyful opportunity to meet the newcandidates’ guests who were present.We pause to rejoice, and yet our attention must quickly look forward to applications and admissions. It is imperative that those who are discerning a vocation to diaconal

ministry and would hope to start aspirancy in September 2020 attend the currently posted Discernment Sessions. I have seen some very creative approaches from deacons, as well as deacons in partnership with their pastors, in gathering those interested to an information session to get things flowing.

Having said this, I believe the time has come to be intentional about continuously promoting the discernment to diaconal ministry on all our parts. What I mean, practically speaking, is that inquiry can begin anytime, interviews/intakes can happen anytime, information sessions can happen anytime. The cyclical structure for the application process should never inhibit or restrict beginning the process of anyone’s discernment to the diaconate.

— Deacon Dale Nees

u DIACONATE FORMATION(continued from page 1)

= Deacon Michael R. Rooney died on May 23, 2019. He was born in Milwaukee on September 20, 1943. He graduated from Rufus King High School in 1962 and took some college engineering courses at Marquette and MSOE from 1962 to 1964. He was employed in his professional life in engineering, sales, and leadership positions. He worked for CECO Corp., (1962-1988) and then at Structural Systems Corp., (1989-2009), retiring in January 2009 as Vice President.He married the love of his life, Betty, on November 14, 1970, at St. Nicholas Parish,

Milwaukee. They had two children, Colleen Rooney (Amy Skoug) and Rob (Jill) Rooney. He also has two grandchildren, Jeremy and Emily Skoug. His beloved Betty died on August 20, 2018.Mike began his diaconate formation in 1984 at St. Francis de Sales Seminary. He was ordained a Permanent Deacon on April 23, 1988 by Archbishop Rembert G. Weakland, O.S.B., at Mater Christi Chapel. His first diaconal assignment was to St. Margaret Mary Parish, Milwaukee, where he served until 2007. He was then assigned to St. James Parish, Menomonee Falls,

where he remained covenanted until his death. In addition to serving at the altar and presiding at baptisms, weddings, and funerals, Mike was very active in human concerns work, SVDP, and maintaining ecumenical connections with neighboring faith communities. He was also very active in serving the Milwaukee diaconate family in multiple roles.Funeral services for Deacon Mike were held on Saturday June 15, 2019. Visitation began at 9 a.m. followed by a Memorial

REST IN PEACE

u See REST IN PEACE (continued on page 7)


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I attended my first Deacon Day on May 4, just a few days short of 8 months since ordination. I was looking forward to catching up with my brother deacons from my class and their wives. We have had sporadic success in getting together. When we do, we quickly share some of the experiences we have had, the difficulties we have run into, and the awesome privilege it is to be a deacon serving God and His people. Deacon Ted Faust told me that he felt the sanctifying grace received at ordination gave him the courage to go beyond his personal boundaries and the wisdom to share Christ’s message of salvation. I can personally attest that the Holy Spirit has emboldened me and imbued me with a grace for diaconal service. The first eight months involved more learning and a few mistakes but no regrets. The hard work of formation is well worth the joys of being a deacon.The day was hosted by St. Martin of Tours Parish, and Deacon Chuck Schneider served as our emcee. After morning prayer, we started presentations with Anne Haines. She spoke about serving in the inner city and is the Executive Director of Urban Ministry for the Archdiocese. She asked for deacons and volunteers to work as CERT – Catholic Emergency Response Team. This would be a team of people who would provide a Catholic response to various needs in Milwaukee. The presence of a RC collar has proven to have a positive impact in times of crisis and need. If you are interested, you can still contact her via email ([email protected]) or by phone (262-339-0367).

Deacon Jorge Benavente spoke to us on behalf of Catholic Cemeteries. He stressed the necessity of preplanning you funeral and some of the financial advantages of making funeral purchases ahead of time. He offered to visit parishes to speak to about Catholic Funeral and Cemetery services.Burial vessels for miscarried babies were on display as part of the “Hearts of Hope” initiative by the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and Life’s Connections. These vessels are available to parishes along with a beautiful kit to be given to families who experience a miscarriage. It also comes with a pastoral guide for priests and deacons on ministering to those who have lost a child. Parishes are encouraged to place regular bulletin articles, so parishioners know that help is available within the parish. It also spreads a pro-life message that life begins in the womb and even these small ones are loved and cherished. For more information or to obtain a kit for your parish, please call Life’s Connections at 262- 290-5433.Mass was celebrated by Fr. Jerry Herda. His homily spoke of “expecting the unexpected” and that was quickly put to the test when there were no written petitions. Deacon Chuck did a wonderful job of improvising and the Mass continued. Several men received stoles celebrating their service as deacons. Lunch was served and stories shared.

— Deacon Jim Matthias`18

Deacon Day 2019

Know Our DeaconIn the last week of June, I had the opportunity to visit with Deacon Don Lydolph, his wife Jane, her sister Jess, and dog Angel. The family park their camper at the Terry Andrae State Park in Sheboygan and serve as the Campground Host for the month of June.

Don was ordained in 1981, one of 22 men in Milwaukee’s fifth class of Permanent Deacons. Don was assigned to his home parish, St. Dominic in Sheboygan, where he served from 1981 to 1994 and again 1997 until his retirement in 2013. During the three-year absence from St. Dominic’s he served at Immaculate Conception in West Bend.

Don was a regular assisting minister at the altar for many years and was a very active and visible presence in the St. Dominic parish community. He was also most active in ministry outside the walls of the parish. He was very involved in visiting, praying with, and delivering Communion to the homebound, hospitalized, and residents of the local nursing homes. He was an active member of the parish SVDP Conference. Don also was

a regular minister at the Sheboygan County Detention Center. He also served the deacon community on the Personnel Board for many years.

Our conversation wandered from topic to topic but always came

u See KNOW OUR DEACON(continued on page 5)


The Candidacy and Aspirant paths are opportunities for spiritual growth, discerning and strengthening our relationship with God. The spiritual life of each of our Candidates is important to us, as we are responsible for the formation of future servant leaders. The spiritual dimension of formation is the basis for the other dimensions of our program. It helps to improve and develop each one of the dimensions for better-

ordained ministers. The human, pastoral, and intellectual dimensions are developed as the spiritual dimension grows. As the National Directory (NDFMLPD) tells us: “The spiritual goal is for the Candidate to increase in holiness by” equipping and motivating “him (and his wife, if married) to lay a foundation upon which he may continue [his] spiritual growth after ordination.” (# 216).

Our Diaconate Formation Program is committed to helping each one of our Candidates and their wives to increase their spiritual life. Before we started our formation year of 2019-2020, we offered opportunities for our Candidates to pause and reflect before the year began, following the goals of our National Directory in #217:

“The goals of the spiritual dimension during the candidate path in formation include the following:

1. To help each candidate to increase in holiness bydeepening and cultivating his commitment to Christ andthe Church to assist the candidate in discerning whetherhe has a vocation to the diaconate

2. To help him deepen his prayer life, personal, familial,communal, and liturgical; and to instill in the candidatea commitment to pray daily for the Church, especiallythrough the Liturgy of the Hours

3. To strengthen the personal charisms, he has alreadydemonstrated in his life

4. To help him integrate his new commitment to prepare forthe diaconate with his previous commitments to his familyand professional employment

5. To acquaint him with the relationship between spiritualityand his commitment to the Church’s ministry of charityand justice

6. To acquaint him with Catholic classical and contemporaryspiritual writings and the witness of the saints

7. To prepare him for the challenges of spiritual leadershipthat his ministry will entail.”

Our Class of 2022 spent a weekend in a Candidacy Retreat at the Redemptorist Retreat Center in Oconomowoc on August 16-18, 2019. During this reflection and prayer weekend, ourCandidates and their wives signed the Oath of Freedom andCommitment to Diaconate. Seventeen men further committedtheir lives to serve the Church and the formation process tobecome servant leaders for our Archdiocese of Milwaukee.Our Director Dcn. Dale Nees and our beloved Jennifer Christled the weekend.

On August 24, 2019, our Candidate Class of 2020 had their Day of Reflection to start their final year of formation. This day focused on “Extending the Stakes of Your Tent: Community Builders for the 21st Century”. Sr. Frances Cunningham, SSSF directed this day for our Candidates and their wives at the Saint Joseph Center in Milwaukee. After the day ended, the Candidates were assigned to develop a “statement” about their commitment to the Church. The statement is as follows:

“We are co-creators and stewards of the earth, and the universe where the Incarnation was born. We are responsible for the people of the world in our time. It is not “I,” but “we.” We respect our differences. As we move into our lives of pastoral care, we see you, celebrate you, and we are one in the Human Family of God, here and now…”

Thanks to Robert and Julie Mitchell, Kurt Peot, Peter and Julie Rebholz and John and Beverly Shaughnessy, we have a great statement of our identity as servant leaders for our Church today.

Our Formation Program is committed to offer ongoing opportunities to our men and their wives for reflection and spiritual growth. With your continued prayers for us, our staff, faculty, and students, we can carry on our mission of forming permanent deacons that are images of Christ the Servant.

Diaconate Formation: “Where love become service”…

Manuel Maldonado-Villalobos, Associate Director of Diaconate Formation

Manuel Maldonado-

Villalobos

Time for Reflection: Part of the Formation Process

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Should I, or Shouldn’t I? A Reflection on the Roman CollarLast month, I attended the Men of Christ conference and spent time at the Diaconate Formation information table, speaking to prospective aspirants. It was an interesting experience having only been ordained for a couple of years and the scars of formation still relatively fresh. I spoke with a number of men who had that same ‘deer in the headlights’ look that I remember all too well. The thought of God calling me to a vocation took a number of years to accept and to this day, when I am about to preach, teach, or participate in some type of ministry, I often remind God, “This was Your idea!”

As I was standing at the table with six or seven other deacons, I quickly came to the realization that I was the only one not wearing a Roman collar. It is amazing that in a matter of only a few ordination classes, the custom went from almost never wearing the collar to sometimes wearing the collar to wearing it at almost every occasion. Being the slightly neurotic person that I am, I began to question my choice of wardrobe that day. Was I ashamed of wearing it? Was I afraid of wearing it? Am I still not willing to be “all in” on my vocation? Or, do I just see things differently than my contemporaries?

But then, I remembered the deacon-models that I looked to help me recognize the deacon in me. They are solid spiritual

men, men with a passion for social justice, men who don’t hesitate when it comes to putting themselves out there for the sake of Church. Yet, they don’t wear a collar. I remembered the sick feeling in my stomach the first time I was told that we were to wear the collar at ordination and how I was going to shove the shirt to the back of the closet the next day. I also recognized the irony that the societal ministry, which has become my joy, involves standing on a street corner wearing the Roman collar. Who says God doesn’t have a sense of humor!

As I reflected on this experience, I was reminded of the charge given to us by the bishop at our ordination: “Receive the Gospel of Christ, whose herald you have become. Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach”. In the relative short amount of time since I was ordained, I have come to learn that being the herald of the Gospel is much more than preaching from the ambo. In fact, it involves much more than speaking. Most often it means simply being present. So I ask myself,

does wearing the Roman collar help me become more or less effective in my charge?

A very wise and experienced priest warned me that the collar is a very powerful symbol. Like any uniform, it separates you from others. You never know how you are perceived as people look at you through the prism of their own experience. It lessens that holy reality of having “one foot on the altar and one foot in the pew”. The collar can invoke a sense of hope. It can also invoke of feeling of guilt. It can diminish my approachability. Never assume others perceive the collar the same way I perceive it.

For now, I decided to wear the collar only when I represent the hierarchy of the Church, when I attend funeral and weddings, because of how it lends a degree of authority to the occasion. I will wear it when I perform hospital calls because of how it brings a degree of added comfort. I wear it on the street corner ministry as a symbol that the Church is still alive and present, especially in those neighborhoods that often feel abandoned. But, to wear it for all other occasions makes it seem as if I am wearing it just for the sake of wearing it, which doesn’t make me a more effective herald of the Gospel. I only need to look to my deacon-models.

— Deacon Jim Starke`16

back to his “call to serve.” He worked for the Kohler Corporation for over 30 years. He served in the Marine Corps including a tour in Vietnam. He served his family as husband, father, and provider. He also served the Church in many ways, including 32 years as Deacon. Service was

his calling and he did it all with joy in his heart.

Don retired from covenanted ministry in 2013 while battling multiple health issues. He had significant leg / foot issues which made mobility a major challenge. He spends much of his time with family, often camping. He remains an active member at St. Dominic’s and remains connected

with the deacon community, especially in Sheboygan. He enjoys following the deacon happenings in the weekly emails as well as the Deacon Talk Newsletter.

Our visit came to an end with an approaching thunderstorm but not before I offered him my appreciation for all he did for God’s people!


u KNOW OUR DEACON (continued from page 3)

The Deacon Personnel Board met on January 26, 2019 at the Mary Mother of the Church Pastoral Center. In attendance: Dcns. Gulig, Schneider, Stanula, Nosacek, Campbell, Chmielewski, and Fr. Herda. The meeting opened with prayer and reflection led by Dcn. Stanula with a focus on “Listening to the Spirit.”

After the January 26, 2019 meeting minutes were approved there was extended discussion on deacon specific issues including: covenant renewals, status changes, retirements, expired covenants, deacon movements, and other special issues.

The board then returned to their ongoing discussion on the topic of long-range planning and deacon assignments. The director was asked to compile a list

of parishes that do not currently have covenanted deacons. This information will help with planning and discussing where there are needs for diaconal presence.

The board approved a plan for a Deacon /Deacon Wives Listening Session on sexual abuse issues. Tentatively, the session is scheduled for Saturday September 28, 2019 at Holy Apostles Parish, New Berlin. Looking at a day similar to Deacon Day which would begin with Morning Prayer then the presentations followed by lunch and social. Deacons Larry Normann and Steve Kramer will be offering insights and leading the reflection.

The board discussed Deacon Day 2019, which took place on May 4, 2019. The general consensus was positive. Anne

Haines, from the Office of Urban Ministry, made a great presentation and Dcn. Jorge Benavente offered some good information regarding funeral planning.

Rich Gulig (Chair) encouraged the board to review the National Directory in order to be aware of the overall vision for Diaconate Formation and Deacon Services. He again reminded the board of the importance of confidentiality in our discussions. Lastly, for our reflection, he spoke about the proper use of the clergy shirt, cautioning the deacons to wear it properly and at the appropriate times.

The meeting closed with prayer at 10:40 a.m. The next board meeting is scheduled for October 12, 2019, from 9 to 11 a.m., at the MMCPC.


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Deacon Personnel Board

The Deacon Senate met on March 20, 2019 at the Mary Mother of the Church Pastoral Center. Deacons present were: Wiese, Campbell, Schneider, Bowen, Starke, Petro, Nees, and Chmielewski. Excused: Copson and Paczkowski. Opening prayer led by Chmielewski.

Minutes of the November meeting were approved with minor corrections. Campbell presented the Treasurers Report including a balance of $7,551.04. Two upcoming events, Women of the Diaconate Retreat and Deacon Day, will involve some expenditures. Campbell will wait until the end of the fiscal year to compile a complete budget report. At that time, we can review the current $50 deacon dues and assess possible need to increase. The reality is that memorials for the deceased deacons and wives have increased over the last few years.

Dcn. Nees presented a comprehensive Formation Report including the current numbers of 4 men in second year

candidacy and 20 in the aspirancy class as well as their current class schedules. He presented the status of ongoing and planned discernment sessions, attempts at catechizing the archdiocese about diaconal ministry, and a deacon mentorship program.

District report highlights included: Starke (6/10/13) already planning Deacon Day 2020 including planning for an “outside” presenter since DD2019 will focus on an Archdiocesan program. Schneider (14/15/16) finalizing plans for Deacon Day 2019, scheduled for May 4 at St. Martin of Tours parish. Petro (1/2/3) planning for Memorial Mass 2019, on October 27, 2019 at St. Paul the Apostle, Racine.

Discussion of old business included: be aware of ongoing events celebrating the 175th anniversary of the archdiocese; Deacon Retreat, Nov. 1 – 3, in planning process with Dcn. Dominic Cerrato (editor of Deacon Digest) as the retreat

Director; possible deacon only trip to La Sagrada Familia Parish in the Dominican Republic may happen later this year.

New business discussions included: concerns about social media postings by deacons being too politically partisan. The Vicar of Clergy reports that the updated Clergy Manual will offer guidelines on social media postings. On the table: should there be any Church/ Diaconal response at the DNC in July 2020? On the table: a Deacons/Wives listening session on sexual abuse issues.

President Dcn. Wiese highlighted ministry efforts in urban Milwaukee including indigent burials, Collars on the Corner, and the Catholic Emergency Response Team (CERT). The meeting closed with prayer and the next meeting scheduled for May 15, 2019 at MMCPC.


Deacon Senate


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Deacon Roberto Fuentes `02 and wife LorenzDeacon Baleriano Gonzalez `84Deacon Jim Chrisien `98Donna Hying, widow of Dcn. Joseph `84Ginny Schimmels, widow of Dcn. Tom `84Judy Francois, wife of Dcn. Jim `83Deacon Leon Zalewski `83 and wife JoanPhyllis Heideman, wife of Dcn. Willis `02Deacon Richard Hiller `75Deacon John D’Alessio `98Jeri Petro, wife of Dcn. Greg `12Deacon Dave Pollak `96

Deacon. Dan Zozakiewicz `94Deacon. Dick Govek `92 and wife DorothyDeacon Don Lydolph `81 and wife JaneDeacon Sy Regan `75RECENTLY DECEASED AND THEIR FAMILIESDeacon Michael Rooney`92, May 23, 2019Timothy Goetter, son of Dcn. Jim `12 and Monica, June 5, 2019Eleanora Regan, wife of Dcn. Sy `75, September 3, 2019INDIGENT BURIALSRichard Harmuth, May 3, 2019Scott Meimi, May 29, 2019Bruce Lahmsen, May 29, 2019Timothy Ringel, July 19, 2019Everett Easley, July 19, 2019

September 22 – 29, 2019: Seven Days of Service sponsored by the Archdiocese of MilwaukeeSeptember 21, 2019: Deacon / Wives Listening Session: 8 a.m. – Noon at Holy Apostles, New BerlinOctober 2018: Holy Hour for Life PrayerOctober 27, 2018: Memorial Mass, 3 p.m. at St. Paul the Apostle, Racine; Fr. Jerry Herda, PresiderNovember 1 – 3, 2019: Deacon Retreat, Redemptorist Retreat Center; Dcn. Dominic Cerrato, DirectorNovember 9, 2019: Women’s Morning of Reflection, 8:30 a.m. – Noon at St. Joseph Convent; Sr. Virginia Stone, SpeakerApril 2 – 4, 2020: Women of the Diaconate Retreat at the Siena Center, Racine (Note this is a Thursday – Saturday, Palm Sunday weekend); Sr. Diane Bergant will present on “Women in the Bible”April 25, 2020: Deacon Day 2020, 8 a.m. – Noon at St. Monica, Whitefish Bay; Tom Thibodeau, Professor at Viterbo University, will present on “Servant Leadership”

Dates to Remember

Published by Deacon Services P.O. Box 070912 | 3501 South Lake Drive Milwaukee, WI 53207-0912

414-769-3409

Deacon Michael J. Chmielewski, Director

Mass at Noon at St. James Parish, Menomonee Falls. Archbishop Listecki presided at the Mass with Fr. Dennis Lewis concelebrating. Dcns. Sandy Sites and Larry Normann, who preached, assisted at the altar. Dcn. Larry invited the community to reflect on “giving of oneself” with Jesus as the foundation. He highlighted the many examples of how

Dcn. Mike gave of himself to family, Church, and community. More than 30 Deacons, wives, and widows joined in the prayer for Dcn. Mike. Mike’s ashes were placed in the family niche alongside his beloved Betty, who died August 20, 2018, in the St. James Parish Cemetery.Please remember Dcn. Mike and his family in your prayer. May he Rest in Peace.

Prayer Requests

u REST IN PEACE (continued from page 2)

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