What's New through Diaconal Ministry at Saint Augustine's Parish

The Deacons’ School: An Historic Account

The following comes from The Rev. Shirley Woods, who became the first Dean of the School for Deacons, Diocese of California in 1979.  She, with the help of Fr. Richard Fabian, writes about deacons:

DEACON: Enabler, Facilitator

--Enabler: One who provides opportunities and makes possible the work of others.

--Facilitator: One who paves the way, gives instruction and makes hard work easier.

The Great Enabler was Jesus.  When questioners came to Jesus with problems, He did not hand out answers from the Teacher’s Answer Book.  How many times did He preface His answer with, “What do you think of this case?” or, “Have you not read…?”  Jesus had the skill of stating the problem in new terms or in such a way that the answer became apparent to the listener, who could then reply and then act for himself.  The Christian experience is one of liberation; it does not demand the rote following of commands and fiats.

We often hear the plaintive question, “What can the deacon do that no one else can do?”  The answer is another question: “What is it that the deacon cannot do that others can do?”  The answer (to the latter question) is, “Precious little.”  The deacon is the palace official, member of the kitchen cabinet, the man behind the scenes, whose job it is to see that all runs smoothly.  It is true that upon occasion one might see a deacon all dressed up in a brocade dalmatic (most likely it is borrowed).  But usually the deacon is standing in the background, giving orders with a nod, a raise of the eyebrow, or a gesture, making sure that everyone else in the show does his part.  So also out in the world.  Our deacon friend may not be the keynote speaker at the meeting, but it is he who found the keynote speaker.  He also found the table, the lectern and the chairs.  (Let us hope that he found a group of young people to set up the chairs.)  Should the speaker be late, the deacon will get up and tell a few jokes or lead us in a song.  It is true that the deacon may occasionally end up giving the speech.  Just so, the deacon is often found on a mid-summer day when everyone else is off on vacation, presiding at a funeral.

I have heard deacon candidates in worrisome voices, trying to tot up their talents and abilities.  They make lists: (1) can visit convalescent homes; (2) can take old ladies to church; (3) can babysit young children.  When the list is finished, the candidate in frustration is ready to throw the whole idea out the window.  Deacons don’t really want to take old ladies to church and babysit young children.  The list should read, (1) Can bring together persons who would profit by visiting convalescent homes, and train them; (2) Can organize convalescents to visit each other; (3) can organize car pools; (4) can raise money to buy a church bus; (5) can organize a group of nursery school teachers.  In other words, “Can run things.”  Perhaps another word should be added: “Unobtrusively.”

Those first deacons in the Book of Acts were not asked to cook meals; they were asked to round up the food and distribute it.  I hear a lot of inquiry , “What is the difference between a deacon and a lay person?”  Or, more bluntly, “What can a deacon do that a lay person cannot do?”  The unimaginative answer is, “Read the Gospel.”  But everyone knows that almost anyone can read the Gospel, and the4 deacon feels he has been thrown a sop.  The deacon’s job is to organize the laity, to get them moving.  It has been noted that the laity often have other fish to fry; the deacon will find that he has to do the job himself if he doesn’t get his organization into gear.  One deacon cannot visit all the convalescent homes, but One Deacon has become a facilitator for helping others to visit.  One deacon is only a drop in the bucket so far as rehabilitating alcoholics goes, but One Deacon has a study to define the problem and to set up a center for dealing with the problem.  A deacon can offer sympathy to a parent with a mentally disadvantaged child, but One Deacon has set up classes for such children and has taught others  how to teach them. 

Jesus said, “The man who holds out to the end is the one who will see salvation.  This good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the world as a witness to all the nations.”

Via The Rev. John Edmunds,

who will become the first director

of the School for Deacons in Rhode island

Next time:  Learn more from our history, as we hear about The Rev. John Edmunds and his background and vision for the School for Deacons

Celebrating 30 years of Ordaining Deacons in RI!

Over the next year, the Diocese of Rhode Island will celebrate that we have been ordaining deacons for 30 years.  It is a very special time for us, as we look back on the rich and sometimes colorful history of the Diaconate here in RI. 

In addition to our other blog entries, we will reprint articles and photographs from  our Diocesan newspaper, beginning in 1980, covering the establishment of the School For Deacons, the directors, teachers, students and others who, from time to time, weighed in on the establishment and development of the Permanent/Vocational Diaconate here in Rhode Island.

The photographs are taken directly from the pages of the archived newspapers, so may appear a bit grainy, but will be great to see just the same!

We hope you find these articles interesting, informative and inspirational, as we do what deacons don't always have a lot of time to do:  look back and be amazed at our incredible and rich history.

The Venerable Janice Grinnell in the latest edition of Diakonia

Hi Everyone,
The Association for Episcopal Deacons (AED) sends out a quarterly magazine to the national church, to highlight the work of deacons throughout the church.  As it happens, our own Archdeacon, The Ven. Janice Grinnell, has the page one story, which is all about her campus ministry!  I am giving you the direct link to the latest edition of Diakonia below.  Enjoy reading about the efforts of deacons and particularly those of our own Archdeacon.


http://origin.library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1102230245650-195/Vol36_Aug14.pdf

Rhode Island Deacons Celebrate!

The community of RI Deacons and their families held a picnic on July 12th to celebrate the life and ministry of those who have faithfully served and retired as Deacons in the Diocese of RI.  The modern era of the diaconate in RI began with the first ordinations occurring on July 13, 1985.  A celebration of this essential ministry is being planned for the summer of 2015.

Deacon Mary Ann Mello Helps New Work Begin

Hello Everyone,

Deacon Mary Ann Mello has been helping to establish Church of the Advent, which will offer its services to those whose lives are affected by Autism. 

 

Rhythms of Grace at Advent is a new worship offering by the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island.   It is a liturgical program developed by the Rev. Dr. Audrey Scanlan and Linda L. Snyder to serve the Autistic community and their families. An empty church and a diocesan desire to serve the under-served presented a great opportunity for the church to use its resources to reach out to the Autistic community and their families in our own diocese.  The program seeks to provide an alternative way to meet their spiritual, physical, and emotional needs.  While the Autistic community is the focus, the liturgy is appropriate for all people who wish to experience another expression of how we can worship God and serve God’s people.

 Advent, Coventry (formerly St. Matthias) is centrally located in Rhode Island.  The property has been vacant and unused for several years. The church’s location, ample sanctuary space, and redesign potential made it an obvious place to begin this new offering!  Currently, the sanctuary is being reconfigured to host this unique and interactive worship experience.While much work is still required, a soft start is planned for June.

 

A number of families, professionals, and clergy will  work through  the  program  to ensure it has the correct balance to best serve those who God brings together to form  this new   community.  A large-scale opening service is planned for September.  If you are interested in volunteering for a work Saturday or have any questions, feel free to email the Rev. Dennis Bucco at father.dennis@hotmail.com or the Rev. Deacon Mary Ann Mello at deaconmaryannmello@verizon.net.

To find out more about the Liturgy “Rhythms of Grace” you can check out the website at http://www.rhythms-of-grace.org. We have been greatly inspired by the support and enthusiastic encouragement by so many people in the diocese that we are glad to be able to provide you with this update. Thank you for all you interest and prayers.

 

Maryann writes on their blog,

 

"We are putting down a floor in a church nursery and this is something I have never done before. I have also never helped to start a ministry before either. All new to me. Part of putting down a floor is making sure that the old flooring underneath is level and strong, so whatever type of floor you lay on top, lays flat but also has a balanced support system underneath.

I think that is what we are doing at Rhythms of Grace at Advent, laying a firm foundation and building a support system for this ministry before we open the doors. I am finding that it does take time and patience just like laying down the floor board by board but once it is finished it will be this sweeping space where anything can happen, anything can grow, anything can be.

For me, part of the foundation of this new ministry is listening to a community that is underserved and offering a place of freedom and comfort to be able get to know and hear God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit in a way that includes our own unique way of communicating, in our own language.  Happy Pentecost!

Peace,

Mary Ann"

 

You can follow their progress, and let anyone you know who may have need of their services by clicking here.

 

In Memorial, Paul Pickens, Deacon

Hello everyone,
Today it is my sad duty to let you know that Paul Pickens has passed on to the next chapter of life.  His obituary is below.

"Father of all, we pray to you for those we love, but see no longer: Grant them your peace; let light perpetual shine upon them; and, in your loving wisdom and almighty power, work in them the good purpose of your perfect well; through Jesus Christ our Lord." Bishop Knisely

Hermon, NY: Paul G. Pickens of Trout Lake Road died June 8 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He had been a resident of Lincoln, RI prior to moving to Hermon three years ago. 

Paul was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada in 1942, son of the late Jim and Stella McCullough Pickens. Survivors include his wife, Lynne Santosuosso Pickens, daughter Rebecca Pickens and her husband David Nelson of Hermon, three grandsons: Elias, Josiah and Walden Nelson, a brother Bob and Cheryl Pickens of Mallorytown, Ontario; sister Kathryn and Harold Ribble of Whitby, Ontario; brother in law John and Janet Santosuosso of Lakeland, FL; sister in law Jane Ball of Philadelphia, PA; several nieces and nephews. 

Paul graduated from Barrington College with a Bachelors Degree in 1965 and earned his Masters of Social Work from Simmons College in 1968. He served as Executive Director of Vocational Resources and as President of Goodwill Industries of Rhode Island for 25 years. He was also a psychotherapist with Plaza Psychiatry of Woonsocket, RI. He was past treasurer of the Rhode Island AIDS Project, past president of the Association of Community Service Executives, and past president of the Rhode Island Rehabilitation Association. 

He served faithfully as a deacon at Christ Church, Lincoln, RI for 25 years. He was a recipient of the George F. Moore award, the Louis E. Baker Award, and the Bishop Higgins award. He authored The History of Christ Church Lonsdale 1833 - 1883, The History of Episcopal Charities, and Transition: Building Bridges from School to Work for Young Rhode Islanders with Disabilities. 

 He was a member of the board of the Church and Community Program of Canton serving on the Personnel Committee; he served on the Town Council of Hermon, and was a volunteer for the Sustainable Living Program. 

Paul was an avid horse lover and was well loved by all of the children and their parents to whom he gave pony rides. 

Mr. Pickens will be remembered at a Memorial Service to be held Saturday June 21 at 10:30 AM at the First Presbyterian Church of Canton. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 17 Park St., Canton, NY 13617 or Christ Church Memorial Fund, 1643 Lonsdale Ave., Lincoln, RI 02865.

Precious in the site of the Lord is the death of His Saints.