By Paula Day

Acknowledging that his own priesthood "has been enriched over the years" by his association with the permanent diaconate, Archbishop Eugene A. Marino reminded 28 candidates to the diaconate Sept. 20 that to be a cleric is to be one dedicated to service.

People should be able to read the fruits of God's word in the lives of ministers, the archbishop said.

"We are privileged to serve God's people," Archbishop Marino said, "as minister at the altar, as minister of God's holy word. All functions that come to us by Holy Orders are given so we can perform service to the Church."

The archbishop went on to urge the candidates to devote themselves to the pursuit of holiness and justice. It is through that pursuit that their lives will be forceful witnesses to the word of God that it is now their privilege and responsibility to read, the archbishop said.

The candidates received the minor offices of lector and acolyte during a special liturgy celebrated by the archbishop at St. Jude's Church in Sandy Springs.

The installation took place before the Offertory of the Mass when Deacon Walt Bedard called each candidate by name and he stood and answered "present."

After this formal presentation of the entire class, each man came forward and knelt before the archbishop. The candidate placed his hands on the lectionary which was extended to him by the archbishop and listened to the words of instruction: "Take this book of Holy Scripture and be faithful in handing on the Word of God so that it may grow strong in the hearts of His people."

In the second part of the ceremony, the archbishop extended the chalice and paten. Kneeling, each candidate placed his hands on the vessels as the archbishop instructed him this time: "Take these vessels with bread and wine for the celebration of the Eucharist. Make your life worthy of your service at the table of the Lord and His Church."

As lectors, the candidates can read Scripture at Mass. As acolytes, they will assist priests and deacons during Mass. The candidates, who have studied two years in a lay ministry program, now enter formal study for ordained ministry in the Church. Ordination to the diaconate will take place in June, 1989.

In his homily, Archbishop Marino used Paul's words to the Corinthians, "There are different gifts, but the same spirit, different ministries, but the same Lord, different works, but the same God who accomplishes them all," to point out that the apostles understood the need to engage the rest of the Christian community in the responsibility of serving and ministering to the people of God.

As readers of the word, that word must be borne witness to by the newly installed lectors, as well as by all who receive Holy Orders, the archbishop said. Through striving for holiness and in their pursuit of justice -- their work for justice in their own lives, in their families and in their special sphere of activity -- the candidates will bear that witness, the archbishop added.

"You must begin now to devote yourselves completely to the pursuit of holiness and justice," he urged.

"We must back that word with lives of holiness. People should be able to read the fruits of this word in the life we live. It's a challenge and an opportunity. May the Lord be praised in what we do."

After the Mass, Rafael Cintron, a candidate for the permanent diaconate from St. John Neumann parish in Lilburn, and the only Hispanic in the class, commented, "This means I have to live a holy life. I need to be a good example for everyone." For his wife, Nilsa, her husband's new role will mean "a bigger commitment to the Church and to Christ" for both of them.

Herbert Berding, a candidate from St. James parish in Madison, said that when he retired two and a half years ago, he felt it would "be the perfect thing to become a deacon."

"We need priests," Berding explained. "I can't be a priest, but I can be a deacon."

Berding looks forward to the possibility, as a permanent deacon, of witnessing the marriage of his daughter, Christina, as the Church's representative, and perhaps even the marriages of his grandchildren, as well as baptizing future grandchildren.

His wife, Jean, added, "It makes be very proud. Now that he's retired, he's free and able to serve the Church more."

Candidate Jim Stewart joined the class of 27 for the installation ceremonies, bringing their number to 28. Stewart began preparing for the permanent diaconate with the class that was ordained in 1987, but went to Guatemala during the process. He has completed his formal study, but had not been installed as lector or acolyte.

Twelve ordained permanent deacons of the archdiocese were present for the installation of the new candidates as lectors and acolytes. Father Bill Hoffman, pastor of St. Jude's, Father John Ozarowski, pastor of St. Andrew's in Roswell, and Father John O'Brien, parochial vicar at St. Philip Benizi in Jonesboro, concelebrated the Mass with Archbishop Marino.

Father Hoffman said later that St. Jude's does not now have any deacons serving in the parish, but two parishioners are in the class.

"I'm looking forward very much to having their ministry here at St. Jude's," he said. "They'll give an added dimension to our service."

Sixteen parishes in the archdiocese are represented by this class of candidates.