Scholarships praised as way to thank deacons' families for sacrifices

Published: 2005-01-27

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- A new scholarship at the University of Dayton, Ohio, offering up to $20,000 over five years to the children, grandchildren and nieces and nephews of permanent deacons "recognizes the sacrifices that the families of deacons make in support of the deacon's ministry," according to the executive director of the U.S. bishops' Secretariat for the Diaconate. Deacon William T. Diteweg said many Catholics do not realize that deacons are ordained members of the clergy or that they are responsible for providing their own livelihood. "Well over 90 percent of the more than 30,000 permanent deacons around the world are also married men with families," he said. "This fact makes the generous action of the University of Dayton so significant." The Marianist-run Catholic university is believed to be the first in the country to offer such a scholarship. It is funded by a $500,000 gift from an anonymous donor.

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