TORONTO (June 16, 2006) – A new wave of ordained men will join the ranks of the clergy later this month. They’re not priests – in fact, all of these men are married with day jobs. Yet they spend considerable time in places like hospitals, prisons and seniors’ centres, serving those in need. You also see them at your local Catholic church, assisting the parish priest. They are the Archdiocese of Toronto’s newest deacons and on June 24, 2006 (10 a.m.) seven of them will be ordained at St. Michael’s Cathedral in Toronto.

The primary role of a deacon is their ministry of service – each one has a pastoral appointment to serve an area where people cannot normally attend church. In addition to their service in the community, deacons have a strong presence at their local parish – from preaching and teaching to baptizing children, witnessing marriages and presiding at funerals. 

“These men have been called in a special way to serve God, their families and the community at large,” says Deacon John Grieve, Director of Deacon Formation at St. Augustine’s Seminary, who is excited about what the program offers the community. “It is our prayer that many Catholic men will discern whether they are called to be deacons. It is a vocation that is both rewarding and life-giving. They are truly making a difference in all that they do.” 

In 1967, a few years after the Second Vatican Council (1962-65), the Roman Catholic Church restored the permanent diaconate program.  Permanent deacons are not studying to become priests – once ordained, they remain deacons for the rest of their lives. Currently, more than 100 deacons serve throughout the Archdiocese of Toronto – from Toronto, north to Midland, and from Oshawa, east to Mississauga. 

            ThThe class of 2006 is a diverse group, differing widely in their origins, professions and places of residence:

Luigi Bertolone, St. Phillip Neri Parish, North York – born in Italy, currently a meteorologist with Environment Canada. Pastoral appointment: Humber River Regional Hospital.

Val Danukarjanto, Epiphany of Our Lord Parish, Scarborough – born in Indonesia, currently an independent consultant after 30 years with IBM. Pastoral appointment: working with seniors, the sick and shut-ins.

Bob Doucette, St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, Victoria Harbour – born in Sudbury, retired teacher and presently a travel consultant. Pastoral appointment: Penetanguishine Mental Health Centre (Geriatric Program).

Ron Fleming, St. Leo the Great Parish, Brooklin – born in Newfoundland, owner and operator of a construction services company. Pastoral appointment: Ajax & Pickering Hospital and the Court of Brooklin Retirement Home.

Bill Letterio, Holy Family Parish, Whitby – born in Toronto, professor at Seneca College. Pastoral appointment: Rouge Valley Hospital (Ajax).

Everis Munroe, St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Markham – born in Trinidad, working in telecommunications sales. Pastoral appointment: Toronto East Detention Centre.

Tom Welsh, St. Timothy’s Parish, North York – born in Toronto, oversees the mechanical maintenance department of a large bakery. Pastoral appointment: Sunnybrook Hospital and the Dismas Fellowship (support to those recently released from prison).

Those interested in the diaconate program can call the Archdiocese of Toronto at: (416) 934-3400, ext. 304 for more information. The Archdiocese of Toronto is the spiritual home to 1.6 million Catholics, celebrating Mass at 224 parishes in more than 30 languages each week.

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Media Contact: 
Neil MacCarthy – Director, Public Relations & Communications 
Phone: (416) 934-3400, ext. 552.  Cell: (416) 879-2846.
E E-mail: neilm@archtoronto.org

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