By Gretchen Keiser

Permanent deacons of the archdiocese of Atlanta, who gathered for a special 25th anniversary Mass Oct. 30, heard their role described by the archbishop as one which is "critically in the center" between bishops and clergy, on the one hand, and the laity on the other.

"Your position ... is unique in the hierarchy," Archbishop John F. Donoghue said, "placed critically in the center .. not as a barrier ... or , as some pastors might wish, as a barricade, but as a lever for action and communication ... Your position is vital and critical to the life of the Church."

Across the country this year, dioceses are marking the silver anniversary of the restoration of the permanent diaconate in the United States in 1968, following the Second Vatican Council. Approximately 60 deacons from the archdiocese and many of their wives attended the Mass celebrated at St. John Neumann parish in Lilburn.

Thomas Zaworski, one of the first two deacons ordained for the archdiocese, served as deacon of the altar for the Mass. Mrs. Geneva Moore, widow of Chuck Moore, who was ordained with Zaworski, and Mrs. Peggy Edwards, widow of Deacon Bill Edwards, brought up the offertory gifts.

Among special contributions of deacons, Archbishop Donoghue cited "awakening the hearts of the faithful," increasing opportunities for teaching and liturgical roles because of fewer priests, and a special sensitivity to the challenges of married and family life and the workplace.

"You are there at the center of the church's faith life and at the center of all of her charitable endeavors," he said.

While praising a "25-year track record ... of faithful endurance and increasing strength in the service of the lord," Archbishop Donoghue also exhorted the deacons to "renew and reinvigorate our wills for the demands of the future" as the Church enters the third millenium.

"It is greatly encouraging to me to look around and see the faces of so many ordained men, ready and eager to assist me" in ministry to the people, the archbishop said.

On behalf of the diaconate community, Zaworski welcomed the archbishop to the archdiocese.