April 23, 2021

Deacon David Picard is appointed director of diocesan diaconate office

REGIONAL
By Carolee McGrath

Deacon David Picard (Catholic Communications file photo)

SPRINGFIELD – Springfield Bishop William D. Byrne has appointed Deacon David Picard as the new director of the Springfield Diocese’s Office of the Diaconate, replacing Deacon Leo Coughlin, who is retiring after 18 years of service in that position.

Deacon Coughlin will continue in his assignment as a deacon for St. Michael’s Cathedral Parish.

“Although we are sad to see Deacon Leo retire, God has sent us a really excellent deacon to replace him with Deacon David Picard,” said Bishop Byrne.

Deacon Picard has had a long career in human resources at the executive level.

“He comes with vast experience, especially in human resources which is very much what part of the job is – human and divine resources all wrapped into one. He brings a new perspective which is good for all of us so I’m grateful he said yes,” Bishop Byrne said.

Deacon Picard and his wife Sandra are members of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Agawam. The couple has been married 47 years. They have two grown sons and three grandchildren. Deacon Picard was ordained to the permanent diaconate in 2017.

“I had always been a practicing Catholic, but I needed more,” said Deacon Picard of his decision to become a deacon. “I decided I wanted that relationship with God. I knew becoming a deacon would allow me to grow in my relationship with God.”

In his role, he will oversee the diaconate formation program which requires men to attend courses at Our Lady of the Elms College in Chicopee two nights a week while holding down full-time jobs and caring for their families.

“I was very excited. I see this as a great opportunity to get to know God and get to know the diocese a little better,” said Deacon Picard. “I think we have some great deacons and some great priests and I look forward to working with the bishop as well.”

Deacons play an important role in the life of the Catholic Church as part of the ordained ministry. They assist a priest during Mass. They can proclaim the Gospel and preach, and like a priest, they are ordinary ministers of the sacrament of baptism. They can be married or unmarried and they are not paid.

There are 73 permanent deacons in the Diocese of Springfield. Another class of deacons will be ordained at St. Michael’s Cathedral May 22, which will bring the total to 80 deacons. Bishop Joseph F. Maguire ordained the first permanent deacons in the Diocese of Springfield on Jan. 15, 1983.

A special segment on Deacon Coughlin’s retirement from and Deacon Picard’s appointment to the position of diocesan diaconate director will air on the April 24 edition of “Real to Reel,” which airs Saturday evenings at 7 on WWLP-22NEWS.