Dear Friends of the Diaconate,

Well this has certainly been a warmer than normal summer, perhaps that’s because we

have been so busy here in the ODF! We are feverishly preparing for the September 10, 2016

ordination of five men, all holy servants to be consecrated as deacons for the Archdiocese.

Archbishop Listecki will lay hands on Theodore Faust, Steve Pemper, Henry Reyes, Joseph

Senglaub and James Starke, forever changing their lives and love into the visible service of

Jesus Christ!

As we always do when we send men off into ministry, we bring in more “...laborers for

the harvest…”, and this year’s aspirant class is larger than we’ve had in some time. I believe

it is the fruit and success of our recruitment effort “I’m a deacon and…” launched in the Fall

of 2015 which brought in fifteen wonderful men and their wives to comprise the future

deacon class of 2020. This Aspirant class comes to us from all around the archdiocese and

from all walks of life, careers, family and ministry experiences. They are a true reflection of

the local church of today. They are as an aggregate, a mature and highly energetic group with

an average age in the mid to upper fifties who burn to serve the People of God, sharing in the

Archbishop’s diaconal ministry to make Christ present in service. We here in the Office are

excited to help them begin their journey of discernment and formation!

For the very first time, five of our first year deacon-candidates said “Hola” to the

parishioners of La Sagrada Familia, our sister parish in the Dominican Republic. These men

were the very first to have their societal field placement occur outside of the Archdiocese.

They experienced the sights, culture, spirituality, poverty, joy, simplicity and hope of our island

brothers and sisters. It was a successful and powerfully transformational experience for our

servants-in-training to be exposed to a lifestyle, environment, language and experience of

church so vastly different from the affluent culture in the United States. The remaining four

men in formation did their societal placements here, ministering to people with: H.I.V./Aids, in

urban housing settings, and at “truck stops” along the I-94 interstate. Collectively they each

were transformed by the people, their lives, and the situations into which they were invited.

Each discovering—it is in moments of diakonia that love become service and Christ is visible!

Dcn. John Ebel,

Director

From Deacon John’s Desk

A r c h d i o c e s e o f M i l w a u k e e

A r c h b i s h o p C o u s i n s C a t h o l i c C e n t e r

LOCATION:

Archbishop Cousins Catholic Center

3501 South Lake Drive

PO Box 070912

Milwaukee, WI 53207-0912

Information: 414-758-2202

Español: 414-758-2207

Issue 25

Summer 2016

From Deacon John’s Desk 1

Aspirancy explained 2

Aspirantado explicado 3

News / Noticias 4

Inside this

issue:

John Paul II recalled "Deacons, both

married and celibate, to serve God's People by their witness to the

gospel value of sacrificial love, a quality of life too

easily dismissed in today's society."

For those whom the Lord calls and whose

lives' give such a witness, the ODF is

the place to continue your journey.

(NDPD, 30)

Our staff:

Deacon. John A. Ebel, Director

414-758-2212; ebelj@archmil.org

Manuel Maldonado (Español), Associate Director

414-758-2207; maldonadom@archmil.org

Charmaine Pfeifer, Administrative Assistant

414-758-2202; pfeiferc@archmil.org

Page 2

Aspirancy Explained (from the National Directory for the formation of deacons)

II. The Dimensions of Formation in the Aspirant Path

188. At the aspirant level in formation, the following objectives are

to be highlighted. These are presented in greater detail in Chapter

Three, “Dimensions in the Formation of Deacons.”

Human Dimension

189. In his post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Pastores Dabo

Vobis, Pope John Paul II quoted Proposition 21 of the 1990

Extraordinary Synod of Bishops: “The whole work of priestly

formation would be deprived of its necessary foundation if it lacked

a suitable human formation.”10 In a similar way, the same may be

said about the human dimension of diaconal formation. The goal of

a “suitable human dimension” is to help the deacon develop “his

human personality in such a way that it becomes a bridge and not an

obstacle for others in their meeting with Jesus Christ.”11

190. The aspirant path in formation is also a time for a married

aspirant and his wife to assess the quality of their relationship and

consider the ramifications of his possible ordination to the diaconate

for their married life. For the single aspirant, it is a time to discern

his capacity and receptivity for celibacy.

Spiritual Dimension

191. The aspirant path of formation must create an environment in

which the individual is encouraged to grow in his personal

relationship with Christ and in his commitment to the Church and its

mission in the world. The goal of spiritual formation is “putting on

the mind of Christ,” thereby establishing and nurturing attitudes,

habits, and practices that provide a foundation for the development

of an authentic and ongoing spiritual life.

192. Although the fact that the wife of the married aspirant is not

seeking ordination is clearly understood, nevertheless, their

marriage and family are involved in the discernment of his diaconal

vocation. The aspirant and his wife need to realistically assess how

her own life, Church service, and family are affected and respected.

The enrichment and deepening of the reciprocal and sacrificial love

between husband and wife constitutes perhaps the most meaningful

way the wife of the aspirant is involved in the discernment of her

husband’s vocation.12

193. The aspirant formation community plays a significant role in

spiritual formation. The aspirant path should include the following:

a. Regular celebration of the Eucharist, Liturgy of the Hours, and

the Sacrament of Reconciliation

b. Time scheduled for private prayer, meditation, and lectio divina

c. Devotions to the Virgin Mary and saints

d. Conferences and workshops on the meaning of authentic

obedience, celibacy, and simplicity of life

e. Conferences on a Christian witness in both matrimonial and

celibate life to the Church and world

f. An understanding and appreciation of the diaconal vocation,

with an ability to articulate this call through the primary

ministries of word, liturgy, and charity

g. An introduction and experience of the spiritual writings of our

Catholic tradition

194. The aspirant’s spiritual director is critical to the formation

process. This priest, who is to be approved by the bishop, must be

well trained and knowledgeable about the diaconate. The spiritual

director accompanies, supports, and challenges the aspirant in his

ongoing conversion. The spiritual director assists the aspirant in his

relationship with God and his understanding that it is Christ who

“calls,” the Church that affirms his diaconal vocation, and the

bishop who responds to that affirmation by the imposition of hands.

195. As collaborators in discerning the readiness of the aspirant to

move into candidate formation, the parish and its pastor also should

accompany the aspirant and his family through their prayers,

support, and presence. In the aspirant path in formation, the parish

is the primary place to observe the aspirant’s relational skills and

his practice in pastoral service. The pastor, therefore, is to provide

an assessment of the aspirant and his family. This assessment will

further enable the formation staff to support and challenge the

aspirant’s discernment of his readiness to move into candidate

formation.

Intellectual Dimension

196. The objectives and content for intellectual formation at the

aspirant level should communicate a deeper knowledge of the faith

and church tradition than the aspirant has already attained. It would

be appropriate to promote an in-depth and systematic study of the

Catechism of the Catholic Church, and to introduce the traditions of

Catholic philosophy, spirituality, and doctrine, especially the

doctrinal understanding of the diaconate, and the threefold ministry

of the deacon. The aspirant also should be taught how to participate

in a theological reflection group and how to develop his ability to

apply the Church’s teaching on moral matters, including her social

teaching, to the pressing moral questions that emerge in pastoral

ministry. Such intellectual pursuits assist those responsible for

formation in assessing the aspirant’s readiness for the academic

rigors of candidate formation. Further, he should be made aware of

the needs of the people of the diocesan Church, as well as of his

own parish, and be made to understand diakonia as a descriptive

word for the mission of the Church in the world. Workshops on

family issues, personal health, time management, caregiving skills,

and married and celibate spirituality all contribute to an aspirant’s

human, spiritual, and intellectual formation.

Pastoral Dimension

197. The focus of the pastoral dimension in the aspirant path in

formation is ultimately the discernment of the aspirant’s gifts for

the threefold ministry of word, liturgy, and charity, and of his

capacity to make a lifelong commitment to these ministries. It also

enables an assessment of his wife and family in their readiness to

give consent and support to his vocation and ministry. Pastoral

formation should introduce the aspirant to the practical services

provided by the diocesan Church. Pastoral placements, matched to

the aspirant’s experience and need, allow an exploration of core

issues regarding charity and the social dimension of the Gospel as

confronted by the diocesan Church. Exemplary deacons, approved

by the bishop, should serve as mentors inviting the aspirant to

accompany, observe, co-minister, and reflect upon the specific

diaconal ministries experienced.13 Appropriate ecumenical pastoral

experiences should be considered and implemented as opportunities

emerge. Opportunities should also be provided, when possible, for

involvement with the Jewish community and with representatives

of other religions.

Page 3

Aspirantado Explicado (del Directorio Nacional para la Formación de diáconos)

II. Dimensiones del itinerario formativo del aspirante

188. Durante la formación del aspirante, se destacarán los

siguientes objetivos. Éstos se presentan en mayor detalle en el

Capítulo Tres, “Dimensiones en la formación de diáconos.”

Dimensión Humana

189. En su Exhortación Apostólica postsinodal Pastores Dabo

Vobis, el papa Juan Pablo II citó la Proposición 21 del Sínodo

Extraordinario de Obispos de 1990: “Sin una adecuada

formación humana, toda la formación sacerdotal estaría privada

de su fundamento necesario.”10 Lo mismo podríamos decir

sobre la dimensión humana del diaconado. El objetivo de una

“dimensión humana adecuada” es ayudar al diácono a desarrollar

“su personalidad humana de manera que sirva de puente y no de

obstáculo a los demás en el encuentro con Jesucristo.”11

190. El itinerario de formación del aspirante es también el

momento adecuado para que un aspirante casado y su esposa

evalúen la calidad de su relación y las ramificaciones de la

posible ordenación del aspirante al diaconado para su vida

marital. Para el aspirante soltero, es un momento para discernir

su capacidad y receptividad para el celibato.

Dimensión espiritual

191. El itinerario de formación del aspirante debe crear un

ambiente que invite al individuo a crecer en su relación personal

con Cristo y en su compromiso con la Iglesia y su misión en el

mundo. La meta de la formación espiritual es “revestirse de la

mente de Cristo,” estableciendo y nutriendo así actitudes, hábitos

y prácticas que sirvan de base para el desarrollo de una vida

espiritual auténtica y creciente.

192. Aun cuando se entiende claramente que la esposa del

aspirante casado no espera ser ordenada, sin embargo, el

matrimonio y la familia de ambos forman parte del

discernimiento de la vocación diaconal del aspirante. El aspirante

y su esposa necesitan sopesar de una manera realista cómo la

vida de ella, el servicio a la Iglesia y su familia serán afectados y

respetados. El enriquecimiento y profundización del amor

recíproco y sacrificado entre el esposo y la esposa constituyen

quizás el aspecto más significativo de la participación de la

esposa del aspirante en el discernimiento de la vocación de su

esposo.12

193. La comunidad de formación del aspirante tiene una función

muy importante en su formación espiritual. El itinerario del

aspirante debe incluir lo siguiente:

a. Celebración regular de la Eucaristía, la Liturgia de las Horas

y el Sacramento de Reconciliación

b. Tiempo asignado para oración privada, meditación y lectio

divina

c. Devociones a la Virgen María y a los santos

d. Conferencias y talleres sobre el significado de la auténtica

obediencia, el celibato y la vida sencilla

e. Conferencias sobre testimonio cristiano tanto en el

matrimonio como en el celibato, a la Iglesia y al mundo

f. Comprensión y apreciación de la vocación diaconal, y

capacidad de expresar este llamado mediante los ministerios

primarios de la palabra, la liturgia y la caridad

g. Introducción y experiencia de los escritos espirituales de

nuestra tradición Católica.

194. El director espiritual del aspirante es indispensable en el

proceso de formación. El sacerdote, quien debe ser aprobado por el

obispo, debe estar bien capacitado e informado sobre el Diaconado. El

director espiritual acompaña, apoya y anima al aspirante durante su

formación continua. El director espiritual ayuda al aspirante en su

relación con Dios y a comprender que es Cristo quien “llama”, la

Iglesia quien afirma su vocación diaconal, y el obispo quien responde

a esa afirmación con la imposición de manos.

195. Como colaboradores en el discernimiento de la preparación del

aspirante para pasar a ser candidato para la formación, la parroquia y

el párroco también deben acompañar al aspirante y a su familia con

sus oraciones, apoyo y presencia. Durante el itinerario de formación

del aspirante, la parroquia es el sitio principal para observar la

habilidad del aspirante en sus relaciones y en su práctica de servicio

pastoral. El párroco, por lo tanto, debe suministrar una evaluación del

aspirante y su familia. Esta evaluación permitirá al personal de

evaluación ayudar y animar al aspirante a discernir si está listo para

iniciar su formación como candidato.

Dimensión intelectual

196. Los objetivos y el contenido de la formación intelectual en el

nivel del aspirantado deben comunicar un conocimiento de la fe y de

la tradición de la Iglesia más profundo del que el aspirante ya haya

adquirido. Es conveniente fomentar un estudio profundo y sistemático

del Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica, y presentar las tradiciones de la

filosofía, la espiritualidad y la doctrina católicas, especialmente el

significado doctrinal del Diaconado y el triple ministerio del diácono.

El aspirante debe también aprender a participar en grupos de reflexión

teológica y a desarrollar su capacidad de aplicar las enseñanzas de la

Iglesia a asuntos morales, incluyendo su doctrina social, a las

apremiantes cuestiones morales que surgen en el ministerio pastoral.

Tales inquietudes intelectuales ayudan a los responsables de la

formación a evaluar la preparación del aspirante para los rigores de la

formación del candidato. Él debe además aprender a reconocer las

necesidades de las gentes de la iglesia diocesana al igual que las de su

propia parroquia, y conocer el término diaconía para describir la

misión de la Iglesia en el mundo. Talleres sobre asuntos familiares,

salud personal, administración del tiempo, aptitudes de proveedores de

cuidados, y espiritualidad para casados y célibes, contribuyen a la

formación humana, espiritual e intelectual, del aspirante.

Dimensión Pastoral

197. El objetivo final de la dimensión pastoral en el itinerario de

formación del aspirante es discernir los dones del aspirante para el

triple ministerio de la palabra, la liturgia y la caridad, y su capacidad

de hacer un compromiso de por vida a estos ministerios. También

permite evaluar si su esposa y su familia están dispuestas a aceptar y

apoyar su vocación y ministerio. La formación pastoral debe mostrar

al aspirante los servicios prácticos que ofrece la Iglesia diocesana. Las

posiciones pastorales que se ajusten a la experiencia y a las

necesidades del aspirante, permiten una exploración de los asuntos de

mayor importancia que confronta la Iglesia diocesana relacionados con

la dimensión caritativa y social del Evangelio. Diáconos ejemplares,

aprobados por el obispo, deben servir como mentores, invitando al

aspirante a acompañar, observar, co-administrar y reflexionar sobre los

ministerios diaconales específicos que haya experimentado.13 Una

experiencia pastoral ecuménica apropiada debe considerarse e

implementarse cuando surja la oportunidad. También se deben ofrecer

oportunidades, cuando sea posible, de participar con la comunidad

judía y con representantes de otras religiones.

As part of the formation process, our candidates need to participate

in two large ministry experiences. These experiences are in the area

of social service and parish pastoral service. This year, working with

the Office of World Mission and our sister parish in the Dominican

Republic, we began a new immersion program. This program

consisted of having an experience of mission in the Sagrada Familia

(Holy Family) Parish, and discovering the different projects and

ministries offered, in addition to knowing the reality of our brothers

and sisters.

Some of our candidates had their experiences here in our

Archdiocese, serving in places like Richard's Place, Elena's House,

S.E.T. Ministries and Truck Stop Ministry, and others went on this

mission trip. Each of them had a different experience encountering

Christ in those whom they served, both here and in the Dominican

Republic.

Thanks to the Office of World Mission, and to the staff of La Sagrada

Familia parish: Pastor Fr. Esteban and Associate Pastor Fr. Juan

Manuel for their support and dedication. Here are some pictures from

this experience.

Page 4

Sagrada Familia: A new experience of mission

Water and latrine projects

Proyectos de agua y letrinas

Mass at one of the communities, their chapel is under

construction now

Misa en una de las comunidades, su capilla esta siendo

contruida

La Sagrada Familia Parish

Our Candidates with Fr. Esteban and Fr. Juan Manuel

Parroquia La Sagrada Familia

NUestros Candidatos con el P. Esteban y P. Juan Manuel

Como parte de la formación, nuestros candidatos necesitan participar

de dos grandes experiencia de ministerio. Estas experiencias son en el

área de servicio social y servicio pastoral parroquial. Este año, y

trabajando en conjunto con la Oficina de World Mission y nuestra

parroquia hermana en República Dominicana, comenzamos un nuevo

programa de inmersión. Este programa consistió en tener una

experiencia de misión en la Parroquia la Sagrada Familia y conocer los

diferentes proyectos y ministerios que se ofrecen, además de conocer

la realidad de nuestros hermanos y hermanas.

Algunos de nuestros candidatos tuvieron sus experiencias aquí en

nuestra arquidiócesis, sirviendo en lugares como Richard’s Place,

Elena’s House, Set Ministries and Truck Stop y otros fueron a este

viaje de misión. Cada uno de ellos, tuvo una experiencia diferente de

encuentro con Cristo en aquellos a quienes sirvieron, tanto aquí como

en Republica dominicana.

Gracias a la Oficina de World Mission, a la Parroquia la Sagrada

Familia y sus pastores P. Esteban y P. Juan Manuel por su apoyo y

dedicación. Aquí algunas fotos de esta experiencia.

Page 5

Sagrada Familia: Una nueva experiencia de misión

Left: Visits to the Communities and Clinic

Above: Child Ministry, cleaning Chapel with the Parish

Youth Group

Izquierda: Visistando las comunidades y la clínica

Arriba: Ministerio de niños y limpieza de capilla con los

jóvenes de la parroquia

Page 6

Our web address is:

http://www.archmil.org/offices/Diaconate.htm

Child Care, Bakery and Physical Therapy Clinic

Cuido de niños, Panadería y Clinica de terapia física

St. Vincent de Paul projects

Proyectos de San Vicente de Paúl