Detroit — Deacon Robert E. McLeod, one of this year’s 40-year jubilarians, has senior deacon status, but that doesn’t mean he has hung up his stole.

Deacon McLeod, 75, can still be found helping out at St. Mary Parish in St. Clair.

When the children of St. Mary School attend Mass every Thursday during the school year, they are better prepared to understand the readings thanks to Deacon McLeod having met with them beforehand.

“We talk about the readings, and I ask what they think they mean,” he said.

Deacon McLeod said working with the children has been the greatest joy of his diaconal ministry. And the kids like him, too; recently, each of the classes made a birthday card for his 75th birthday.

The hardest part of his diaconal ministry, he said, was conducting the funerals of his parents, a sister and a brother.

Deacon McLeod said his ministry as a deacon led his wife, Joyce, to become very involved in parish activities as well.

“Having the opportunity to serve as a deacon has been a godsend for both my wife and I,” he said.

And Deacon McLeod has no intention to give up the work that he loves: “I just feel so blest; I don’t intend to stop”