Yesterday the Episcopal Diocese of Delaware ordained six deacons. Count them, six! For some diocese this is not a remarkable event – there were nine of us when I was ordained to the diaconate. But, this was different and very special because in it’s over two-hundred some odd year history, there has never been a vocational (that is a deacon not transitioning to the priesthood) deacon ordained in this diocese. Don’t ask me why, I wasn’t there and I don’t know. All I know is that, as the Diaconate program chair, developer, coordinator, director, pastor, den-mother, event planner, shoulder-to-cry on, you name it……I was ecstatic and floating on the same high clouds as the diaconate candidates cum Deacons!
Even church seemed different for me today – it was actually joyful. It was so joyful that at the dismissal the congregation said three Alleluias not two. The day at home seemed different too. It was cold and wintry outside, but inside it was warm and calm and so, so peaceful. I guess you could say I was “basking” in the afterglow of the spiritual presence of the event. Still am! I hope those six Deacons are too. Thanks be to God!
Thank you Rev. Rita. We could not have done it without you. Nice to know we share not only our yp sand downs but the Happy Glow thanks to our God. I, for one, would love to hold onto that glow and will pray that it continues albeit not to the degree it was on that special day. All good things must come to an end. Thanks for all you are and all you do especially helping us to see it through.
God’s peace
Deacon Dottie Vuono
Thanks for those kudos, I really appreciate your gratitude. BUT, it was all of us together on the journey and you lifted me up and helped my spiritual life as we walked together. So, thanks to you as well.
Rita, having finally finished my tu’s and Christmas cards and letters last weekend, your blog seriously caught my eye tonight. I was having fun reading about snow and relationships. It then dawned on me that surely you would have thoughts on December 5th or thereabouts. Again, you did not disappoint. It was a great day for all of us and the significance of that day continues to unfold. Thanks be to God!