108 deacons at convocation receive new policy manual

The annual Deacon Convocation of the Diocese of Tucson drew 108 deacons and 61 wives last month at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Tucson.
The theme of the convocation was “Deacons of Tucson – Moving Forward.”
The primary purpose was to pass on information to the deacon community, to get feedback and to celebrate a Mass of recommitment with Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas. As the priests of the diocese recommit themselves to the bishop at the annual Chrism Mass, so the deacons recommit at this time.
This year’s Mass was even more special because it was celebrated on the Bishop’s birthday and the deacons were able to give him their blessing and good wishes with a song blessing followed by Happy Birthday at the end of Mass.
The business session included the annual Safe Environment Program education update as well as the presentation of a new manual of policies and procedures for the deacons of the diocese.
Sister Lois J. Paha, OP,  met with the deacons’ wives to discuss ideas for ongoing formation for the wives and for the formation of the wives in upcoming Common Formation programs.
Vicar for Deacons Ken Moreland and his associate vicars, David Sampson, Joe Delgado and Ernie Trujillo, as well as the entire deacon community expressed thanks to Father Joe Lombardo of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and his staff of deacons, Fran Sherlock, Rodney Kulpa, Leo Longoria, Rob Carlin, Al Caponigro, Joe Cruz, Jr., and Mario Rodriguez , as well as the Knights of Columbus Council 8077 and the ladies of the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Italian Catholic Federation for all that was done to welcome the deacon community and provide for their needs over the weekend.