27 permanent deacon jubilarians celebrate 510 years of combined ministry

Deacons and their wives gather to give God thanks for their vocation, reflect on the many gifts and blessings of their ministry

DETROIT — On the evening of Sunday, Oct. 25, dozens of deacons returned to the site of many of their vocation pilgrimages to receive a blessing and renew their commitment in their ministry. 

The annual diaconate jubilee for the Archdiocese of Detroit was held at Sacred Heart Major Seminary, with Mass offered by Archbishop Emeritus Allen H. Vigneron honoring 27 jubilarians celebrating anniversaries ranging from five to 45 years. 

Archbishop Vigneron offered his thanks and congratulations to the deacons present, and preached about their particular role in teaching the Gospel.

Preaching on the day's Gospel reading, Archbishop Vigneron reflected on the roots behind the commandments that Jesus deems greatest and most important: behaviors required of our relationship with God, and behaviors required of our relationship with one another. 

"It's not just about relationships with God and man, but it's about the soul of those relationships," the archbishop said. "It's not just about behavior, but it's about the heart from which those behaviors come." 

He continued, suggesting, "Is not Jesus himself the answer to the question, 'Which is the greatest commandment?' The greatest commandment is to live the life of Jesus Christ, to live as God's sons and daughters." 

The archbishop recognized the particular role deacons have in teaching God's moral law, and the necessity of embodying the commandments for all who teach them. 

"We must be the personification of loving God above all things," Archbishop Vigneron said. 

Archbishop Vigneron closed with an offer of celebration and thanksgiving for the deacon jubilarians, followed by the deacons and their wives recommitting themselves to their ministry. After Mass, those in attendance shared dinner and fellowship in a brief reception that recognized each jubilarian for their service. 

For Deacon Michael McCrandall of St. Florian Parish in Hamtramck, the opportunity to share a Mass and a meal with his fellow deacons was a highlight of the evening. 

"It is so nice to see deacons together where we are in community," Deacon McCrandall told Detroit Catholic. "The hardest part about being a deacon is that you spend so long preparing for your vocation and then you're sent out into the wild, and you never get to see other deacons. But to come together to celebrate our ministry and be reminded why we have been called by God is just wonderful." 

Deacon McCrandall, who attended the Mass with his wife, Ann Marie, celebrated the 15th anniversary of his ordination.

Another 15-year jubilarian, Deacon Tom Houle, found the experience quite special. 

"It's very exciting to be here," Deacon Houle told Detroit Catholic. "I went to high school here, so every time I'm here in the chapel, it just brings back so many memories."  

Asked what he's enjoyed most during his ministry, Deacon Houle's answer was quick and resounding: baptisms. 

"It is so rewarding and so enlightening to bring that faith to parents who have agreed to bring their child up in our faith," he said. "It's very rewarding to not only teach them about the faith so that they can bring their child in, but also to challenge them and to see them every week afterward. And, of course, to actually celebrate the baptism itself." 

Deacon Houle retired from St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish in Roseville this past July, but his verve for sharing the faith has remained strong since his retirement. He spends much of his time visiting hospitals and homebound individuals, praying with them, listening to them and bringing them the Eucharist.

"He's staying busy through retirement," Deacon Houle's wife, Conni, said. "The elderly really need the deacons, and he does a lot of that outreach. They love him, and he loves them."

"It's a great way to stay connected," Deacon Houle added.