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September 28, 2023

Deacons honored at annual Appreciation Mass and Dinner

REGIONAL
Story and photos by Sharon Roulier

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WESTFIELD – The 22nd Annual Deacon Appreciation Mass and Dinner was held Friday evening Sept. 22 at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church in Westfield. Approximately 80 deacons and their wives attended the liturgy celebrated by Springfield Bishop William D. Byrne.

In his homily, Bishop Byrne talked about the importance of prayer in the daily life of a deacon. When a deacon is ordained, he promises to pray the Liturgy of the Hours every day.

“All faithful are encouraged to pray,” said the bishop, noting that it’s especially important for deacons, priests and bishops. “If we’re going to love our neighbor, we’ve got to love God first and foremost. And that love is actually the experience of being loved.”

The word deacon comes from the Greek word diakonos meaning servant.

“And they represent Christ, the servant, in the world,” said Bishop Byrne, explaining that all priests are ordained deacons first. Deacons as well as priests are called to lay down their lives for others, by “serving and not being served.”

An award presentation took place following the Mass as deacons were called by name to the altar, along with their wives.

“They’ve given their lives to the diaconate,” said Deacon David Picard, director of the Office of the Diaconate of the Diocese of Springfield. “They’ve transferred themselves over to the Lord and we want to recognize that as well as come together and enjoy each other’s company. “

Deacon Theodore Tudryn, who is retiring this year, and his wife Elizabeth pose with Bishop William Byrne after the Deacon Appreciation Mass.

This year the diaconate classes of 1993, 2003, and 2013 were honored.

  • Class of 1993: Deacons David Culliton, Keith Davies, George Galli, Deacon Daniel Romanello and Spencer Trova.
  • Class of 2003: Deacon Gregory LaFreniere
  • Class of 1993: Deacon Frederick Pelletier
  • Class of 1983: Deacons Edward Faber, Bernard Fleury, James Hager and Lucien Miller
  • Retiring this year: Deacon Ted Tudryn

After Mass a cocktail hour and dinner took place in the parish hall.

The Diaconotes, a band made up of local deacons, provided music for the Mass.

Deacon Picard said the diaconate program is currently looking for men to join the next formation program. Anyone interested can call 413-452-0676 or email diaconate@diospringfield.org. Also more information can be found at www.spflddiaconate.org

A video version of this story will be on an upcoming edition of “Real to Reel” which temporarily airs Sunday mornings at 6:30 a.m. on WWLP-22 NEWS.

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