By Michael Motes

For two young men in the Archdiocese of Atlanta, the summer months are offering much more than a time for leisurely activity, poolside lolling or seaside sunning.

They are the two deacons currently assigned to the archdiocese and are now involved in the last few weeks of "trial and error" before returning to their final months of study before being ordained to the priesthood.

"Having been ordained a deacon during the Holy Year is so meaningful to me," says one. He is the Reverend Mr. Jack Druding, who was ordained by Archbishop Donnellan at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Smyrna on May 18.

This is the Rev. Druding's third summer in the archdiocese, having served previously at St. John the Evangelist parish in Hapeville and at St. Thomas the Apostle.

During a holiday break from St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore, Rev. Druding spent the Christmas season in Europe, visiting Italy, Portugal and Morocco.

"The experience of a lifetime was a general audience with the Holy Father in December," he recalls. "This made the 1975 Holy Year so real and so pertinent."

His experiences in Morocco were not so pleasant, however. An illness dampened his holiday spirit and he comments, "I never want to go near Africa again!"

A native of Philadelphia, Rev. Druding attended Catholic schools there and after graduation from high school became an assistant buyer for a large department store. A better career offer lead to the position of general merchandise manager for a chain of stores.

At the age of 30, he decided to enter the priesthood and he joined the order of Norbertine Fathers, becoming involved in television and radio work with a Columbia Broadcasting System affiliated station owned by the religious order.

"The Norbertine Fathers are primarily engaged in teaching and I had decided that I wanted to devote my life to parish work," says Rev. Druding, who had now attained a B.A. degree in English and had spent some time teaching.

Becoming associated with the Archdiocese of Atlanta, Rev. Druding was sent to St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore where he earned his Master's Degree in Divinity.

Now assigned to Immaculate Heart of Mary parish, Rev. Druding is involved in many activities within the large parish.

"The main function of a deacon is to preach homilies," he says, "and this is something that I spend a great deal of time preparing. I know that once I am in full-swing and ordained a priest, I won't have as much time to work on homilies as I do now, so this is a valuable learning experience."

One of the things Rev. Druding has enjoyed most since coming to Immaculate Heart of Mary was the recent Bible School the parish conducted.

"We had boys and girls from age 3 through the sixth grade level and I learned so much from them. I have talks and visited with different age groups daily and just generally enjoyed being a part of such a successful program," he recalls.

Since arriving at the parish in June, Rev. Druding has performed eight baptisms, but is still waiting to be called upon for his first wedding.

"There are 101 things that come up daily," he says. "I visit the sick in their homes and in hospitals; preach at daily and Sunday Masses; conduct convert classes on Monday and Tuesday evenings, and fill in for the priests of the parish who are on vacation."

Leisure time is spent with friends, including one who is a pilot and has his own plane. Rev. Druding enjoys flying and once studied for his pilot's license. Limited time and funds curtailed this activity, however.

Educated in literature, he enjoys reading and tries to keep abreast of current fiction.

"It may surprise a lot of people, but many people still find time to read," he says. "Often I can use contemporary thoughts in sermons. This is a good way to reach those in the congregation."

He just finished the novel "Jaws" and is now looking forward to seeing the movie. Another form of relaxation, which he has been unable to find much time for, is fishing.

Rev. Druding will return to St. Mary's in Baltimore in September for his last semester of formal education. He will then return to IHM in December.

"It's a busy life, especially when you put a lot into it," says the Reverend Mr. Steve Churchwell, who is spending his second summer in the Archdiocese of Atlanta. He is assigned o Holy Cross parish and spends each Monday working in the Metropolitan Tribunal office in the Catholic Center.

The native of Carmi, Illinois, became affiliated with the Archdiocese of Atlanta in 1973. He was ordained by Archbishop Donnellan in Carmi last April.

He is quiet and studious and views both of his summer assignments as greatly beneficial as a learning process for his future work.

"I regard my work in the parish as primary work -- preaching, baptizing, assisting at Mass, taking Communion to the sick, helping with the youth group. I am generally developing a program for the second part of my assignment to Holy Cross, when I return there next February after completing my studies at St. Meinrad's in Indiana.

"The general intent of the deaconate program is to provide a background for new ministers which will help them become familiar with the duties and special requirements of the priesthood. You could say it is an internship," he said.

Rev. Churchwell has established a weekly schedule to which he tries to adhere. Monday is his day at the Tribunal. Tuesday is set aside for "paper work." Wednesday is a day off. Thursday he telephones the sick and shut-ins whom he then visits on Friday. The weekends are filled with duties connected with religious services at Holy Cross.

With diverse duties, he feels that there is a "good balance of authority and responsibility" to his summer assignment.

"It is very helpful to have someone who can offer advice," he adds. "I do what I can by virtue of my orders with the help and support of those at the rectory."

One of the challenges he faced when he came to Atlanta for the summer was to adjust to life in a rectory after the life at St. Meinrad's.

"I am freer, but with more responsibility," he says. "I have to get to know the people in the diocese in a limited time. This is a great and important learning experience."

He has been personally struck by what he has learned from taking communion to the sick and to shut-ins.

"These are people not always seen in the Church, but who need equal time from the ministers," he says.

The work of the Metropolitan Tribunal has been an entirely new experience for Rev. Churchwell, who says he is impressed by the "efficiency and good spirit in the Tribunal office."

As a student, his greatest interest is in various branches of theology. As a minister, he challenges himself to "make practical application of what I have learned as a student."

His limited spare time is spent reading and listening to classical music. His favorite musical period is Baroque and he places Telemann and Bach high on his list of favorite composers.