Adobe Stock
CV NEWS FEED // The Archdiocese of Denver recently commemorated the 50th Jubilee of the Permanent Diaconate in the Archdiocese with a special “Deacon Day” celebration held at a parish in Northglenn, Colorado.
According to a report from Denver Catholic, Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila led the event at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, offering gratitude for the deacons’ five decades of dedicated service to the Church.
The report shared that during the Mass, the deacons in attendance, who had come from across the northern region of the state, had the opportunity to renew their ordination vows, reinforcing their commitment to serve the Church.
Deacons in the Archdiocese serve in a wide range of ministries, offering support to parishes and Catholic programs throughout northern Colorado. Deacon Ernie Martinez, director of deacons, highlighted the importance of their work. “Your ministries bring people back to an encounter with Jesus Christ,” he said, according to the report.
He also noted that most deacons are married, and praised the wives of deacons, saying, “We thank them for the invaluable partnership that exists in your marriage. A double sacramental partnership in the sacrament of marriage enriched by the sacrament of Holy Orders.”
The report also featured Marianne Arling, widow of Deacon Dave Arling, and her experience of the opportunity to connect at the celebration with the community her late husband cherished.
“It’s just so impressive to have such a large, thriving diaconate ministry in this archdiocese,” Marianne Arling said.
Arling shared with Denver Catholic that her late husband deeply valued the quality of the program.
“And he loved his band of brothers,” she said. “He loved being a part of the brotherhood of the diaconate.”
