Deacons from the Diocese of Salt Lake City and their wives gathered at the Provo Marriott Hotel & Conference Center the weekend of Oct. 3 for their annual retreat. This year's gathering focused on the 50th jubilee of the permanent diaconate in the diocese.
During the closing Mass, Bishop Oscar A. Solis described the deacons in the diocese as a great gift to the Church. He noted that many priests are requesting that deacons be assigned to their parishes due to the need for people to hear the word of God.
The diocese currently has 45 deacons in active ministry. There are also two diaconate formation classes consisting of seven men each. Members of one class are expected to be ordained next year, while the others are in their second year of formation.
Bishop Solis reflected on the responsibility of ministry, using a Gospel reading from Matthew 21:33-43 to discuss the vineyard entrusted to believers. He asked the attendees to consider if their own ministry and lives are producing good fruit and moments of grace for those they serve.
The bishop acknowledged that the ministry of a deacon is not easy. He encouraged them to find comfort in the words of St. Paul to the Philippians regarding peace and to remain filled with the grace, hope, and joy of God's mission rather than fear or anxiety.
The retreat served as an occasion to reflect on ministry, spirituality, and responsibility. Bishop Solis urged the deacons to express their calling through service, love, and care, following the example of Jesus.
