Serving With Joy: Lessons From Pope Francis for Catholic Deacons Today

By Silas Henderson (Editor), William T. Ditewig, Greg Kandra and 2 more

Since the early days of his pontificate, Pope Francis has challenged us to reclaim the “good news” of the Gospel and to allow that good news to heal shattered lives. He is an evangelist of hope who models true servant leadership and whose witness to joy has changed the Church and the world. This small volume brings together the reflections of five leaders in the deacon community in the United States on the joy-filled witness of Pope Francis and what his message means for deacons today.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Open Road Integrated Media
• Release date: Jun 7, 2016
• ISBN: 9781504037747

Book preview

EDITOR’S PREFACE

At the beginning of his apostolic exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel), Pope Francis offered this observation: The joy of the gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus. Those who accept his offer of salvation are set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness, and loneliness … I wish to encourage the Christian faithful to embark upon a new chapter of evangelization marked by this joy, while pointing out new paths for the Church’s journey in years to come (1).

Some commentators have called these powerful words the manifesto of Pope Francis’ pontificate and they certainly seem to embody his message and mission. In many ways, Pope Francis has reinvigorated the faith of countless individuals and faith communities, inspiring them to discover new initiatives for evangelization and outreach even as they rediscover and celebrate timeless elements of the treasury of the Catholic Faith. We have seen this especially in renewed emphasis on the Sacrament of Reconciliation, in challenging us to work for mercy and justice, in filial devotion to Mary, in the Year for Consecrated Life, and, most recently, the Jubilee Year of Mercy, all expressions of Catholic faith and devotion that are dear to Pope Francis.

In this small volume, we’ve brought together reflections on the spirit of Pope Francis from leaders in the deacon community in the United States. As formators, teachers, and men of prayer and service, these five authors share the fruits of their own engagement with the teachings and joy-filled spirit of Pope Francis, helping us recognize that deacons have a particular role to play in his vision for the Church.

May the Holy Spirit continue to guide you in your ministry of service and prayer: There is no greater freedom than that of allowing oneself to be guided by the Holy Spirit … letting him enlighten, guide, and direct us, leading us wherever he wills. The Holy Spirit knows well what is needed in every time and place. This is what it means to be mysteriously fruitful! (Evangelii Gaudium, 280). It is our hope that the collective wisdom contained in these pages will be a blessing and encouragement for the deacon community and for anyone committed to the ministry of diakonia.

Silas S. Henderson,

Editor

FOREWORD

At various times in our lives, we have all had the experience of meeting someone whose demeanor, speech, or actions denoted a heart without joy. We often remember such encounters, long after they occurred, because something inside of us longs to find more in the persons with whom we live and work. Encountering a joyless heart often leaves us unsatisfied in our desire for spiritual companionship and diminishes our hope in times of struggle. Every joyless heart leaves us searching for more.

In contrast, a joyful person is life-giving and affirming of every human person, is attractive in spirit, and remains optimistic despite the challenges one faces. A person with a joyful heart is not a stranger to suffering, which remains