May 7, 2016 we continue our diaconate journey…
This year, one of the focus areas was that of the Sacrament of Baptism. This included a practicum (i.e. a complete run through of the item, i.e. a Rite of Baptism). We asked two of our classmates to be the parents of “Grace Charlotte” and another two to be the godparents. We prepared a worship aid, including music, selected the readings and responses, a brief yet inspiring homily, saints to include in the Litany of the Saints, and which prayers would be utilized. (Please click here to read all of our experiences of the bi-monthly Deacon formation classes).
We then set up in the chapel at Alemany High School for the Baptism and Jay dawned the alb that he wears at Sunday Masses. We conducted the entire Baptism from beginning to end which took about thirty five minutes.
Although Jay was nervous (OK, VERY nervous) as the service started, he was able to do a pretty good job. Candy gave it an A- while Jay gave a B+. With practice and collaboration the practicum went very smoothly and feedback was positive.
Once you have completed the practicum, you then sit through a post mortem. This includes comments from our facilitator, classmates, Deacon Mentor Couple, and today we also received additional comments from Deacon Rick and Maureen Soria whose Baptism Service we had attended last year. The comments were filled with wonderful suggestions about how we can improve our Baptisms, also suggestions that all in our class can also use. Observation from those in the assembly can be very beneficial, seeing and also hearing the service for those who are involved in the practicum.
If you have any questions about what we have experienced in the diaconate (aka “that deacon thing”), please ask us or send us an e-mail to gbmom_01_02@yahoo.com.
If you would like to attend a Diaconate Information day, please attend one of the following:
Sunday, October 23, 2016 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at St. John Chrysostom Parish, 546 E. Florence Ave. Inglewood, CA 90301.
If you are interested in becoming a Deacon or a Deacon Couple for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, please contact:
Diaconate Formation Office
Archdiocese of Los Angeles
3424 Wilshire Boulevard, 2nd Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90010-2241
213-637-7383
Candy & Jay Krueger,
Diaconate Formation, Year IV,
Holy Family Church, South Pasadena, CA