Permanent deacons can bring healing

By Karen Baker, Clarion Herald Contributing writer

The Northshore Chapter of The Catholic Foundation honored the deacons of the West St. Tammany-Washington deanery during the annual dinner on April 20 at St. Paul’s School in Covington. 

“The diaconate is an important part of our local church,” Archbishop Gregory Aymond said. “They do an incredible amount of ministry.”

Deacon Dennis Adams, who serves at St. Peter Parish in Covington and is executive director of Christopher Homes, was the keynote speaker for the evening. Giving a brief history of the restoration of the permanent diaconate following the Second Vatican Council, Deacon Adams spoke of the role of deacons to serve, preach and teach.

Aside from his marriage and the birth of his children, Deacon Adams said, “nothing is dearer to me than my ordination to the diaconate; it made me a better husband and father, and it brought me closer to Christ.”

Deacon Adams also called on deacons, in their dual role as ordained and married men, to live as examples to others.

“We must be examples of godly service; we can do our part to heal our fractured culture” and bring people closer to the Lord.

The dinner also included a testimony by Ursuline Academy senior Madison Boten, who spoke of the great impact Camp Abbey in Covington has had on her faith development. 

Boten said she is grateful for the support The Catholic Foundation offers to Camp Abbey, because it was there that she developed a love for the Lord through adoration.

“Imagine this,” she said. “All the lights turned off, seated in a place where I feel most comfortable, and staring intently at the lit up gold cross in the center of the chapel. … This is where the biggest impact of my camp experience was made. This was the defining point of my Catholic faith. I realized God’s plan for me and felt connected to every single part of his creation around me. I could not help but to let out a sigh of relief in acknowledgment that this is exactly where I was supposed to be, and this place, Camp Abbey, was more than just a camp, it is home.”

Karen Baker can be reached at [email protected].