Last June, eight men were ordained permanent deacons in the Archdiocese of Hartford. They are, in the back row, left to right: James Marco, Gerald Maust, Louis Santiago, Larry Tiani, Keith Griffin, Ramón Guzmán, Jonathan Bruzas and Christopher Haddad. They are joined by Auxiliary Bishop Juan Miguel Betancourt, at left in the front row, and Archbishop Leonard P. Blair.
Story by Karen A. Avitabile | Photos by Aaron Joseph
James McCormack remembers thinking about becoming a deacon. But at the time, he had four young children and frequently traveled for his job. So instead, he continued to grow in his own faith and committed more time to parish ministries while waiting for the right time to apply for Permanent Diaconate formation.
Then in 2008, the time was right. He submitted his application and was chosen as a candidate for the Permanent Diaconate. He began studies for the program and was ordained in 2014.
Fast forward 10 years, Deacon McCormack not only continues to reap the rewards as a deacon at the Cathedral of St. Joseph but serves as the director of the Permanent Diaconate for the Archdiocese of Hartford.
“Being able to serve the people of God in their time of need, to give someone words of hope in a homily, to comfort them in a time of loss, to celebrate with them at a time of joy in baptism and marriage” have been very rewarding, the deacon points out.
In his role as director, Deacon McCormack assists men on their journey to the Permanent Diaconate. His responsibilities include all phases of the application and selection process of candidates; overseeing the spiritual, pastoral and academic preparation of the men who are admitted to the program; engaging spiritual directors for the candidates; and arranging pastoral ministry assignments.
Post ordination, he ensures the implementation of national and local policies, serves as a liaison to the Conference of Deacons and assists the coordinator of the wives’ program for candidates, ordained deacons and their widows.
Last September, 15 candidates began their studies in the five-year Permanent Diaconate program and are scheduled to be ordained in 2028. A new Permanent Diaconate class will begin this fall. The application deadline is this May 31.
Men thinking about the Permanent Diaconate should first speak to their pastor who often makes recommendations for the program, Deacon McCormack says. Required information for the application process includes submission of transcripts, letters of recommendation, a psychological evaluation, a background check and a pastor’s recommendation. Also, a man’s wife is important to the process; she must write a handwritten letter of support for her husband’s candidacy.
In advance of filling out the Permanent Diaconate application, Deacon McCormack also stresses that men get involved in liturgy in their parish, which should include becoming an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion or a lector.
A candidates’ academic work in the Permanent Diaconate program includes: homiletics, canon law, Scripture, Church history, prayer, discernment, philosophy and theology. Graduates receive a certificate in religious studies from St. Thomas Seminary.
“Deacons are providing an example people seek to emulate, trust and follow,” Deacon McCormack says. “Prayer, spirituality and discernment are necessary components of the life of any Christian and are important for anyone called to the ministry.”
Last June, eight men were ordained to the Permanent Diaconate and are serving assignments in the Archdiocese of Hartford. Currently, there are 88 active deacons and 78 deacons who have received senior status. Men interested in the Office of the Diaconate should first speak to their pastor. For specific questions or more information, call the archdiocese at 860.242.5573 or visit archdioceseofhartford.org/office-of-the-diaconate.
A social gathering for deacons and their wives in the Archdiocese of Hartford is held annually. At the gathering last June, Deacon James McCormack, director of the Permanent Diaconate for the Archdiocese of Hartford, served as the master of ceremonies. Deacons who reached milestone anniversaries of their ordinations were recognized and received lapel pins. Permanent deacons are single or married men, who are ordained by the archbishop to carry out a mission of service. The deacon’s ministry includes ministry of the liturgy, of the word and of charity. Deacons carry out their ministry in parishes and in special missions within the archdiocese. If you are considering a call to the Permanent Diaconate, call 860.242.5573.