Deacons of the Diocese of Camden, as well as their wives and diaconate candidates, gather for a photo during their retreat at the Family Life Center in Malvern, Pa., Dec 14-16, 2013.
Seventy deacons, candidates and wives participated in the Diaconate Retreat at the Family Life Center in Malvern, Pa., Dec 14-16.
The theme of the retreat was “Love Become Service” taken from the title of a recently published book written by Msgr. Michael Chaback, a priest of the Diocese of Allentown. The book provides new insights into the spirituality of a deacon’s wife in her support to her husband as he blends his obligations of family and ministry. Likewise, the deacon’s marriage is an integral part of the deacon as a sign to the Christian community.
The retreat was led by Deacon William Urbine, who is the associate director of the Office of the Diaconate in the Diocese of Allentown and also serves as a family counsellor. Father James Smith was the celebrant for Eucharistic liturgies as well as the sacrament of reconciliation.
There are 105 deacons in active ministry for the Diocese of Camden and 20 men are in formation.
The Office of the Diaconate is currently accepting applications for a new formation group to begin in the fall of 2014. Interested men should visit the diocesan website at www.camden diocese.org or contact the office at 856-583-2858.