A Living Example of Diaconal Ministry

I recently had a fruitful discussion with one of our priests about the role of deacons in our diocese and the impact on future generations. Since 2017, the School for Ministry has raised five locally formed permanent deacons, one of whom is the Rev. Kay Dennis of Marianna, Florida.

Kay is shining her light brightly in her community in a variety of ways, one of which is through her numerous newspaper articles and the publication of her own books. For Advent, Kay produced a beautiful book of devotions, and she has done so again for Lent. You can find all of her books on Amazon.

Many years ago, when I was teaching at Spring Hill College in Mobile, AL, I taught Catholic deacons and spent a good amount of time pondering how their ministry would likely become more central in the years to follow, given the decline in the vocations to the priesthood. That trend seems to be coming to fulfillment in many liturgically based churches.

I am grateful that Bishop Kendrick has ensured this vital ministry is supported and integrated into all aspects of leadership in our Diocese and at our yearly conventions as well. Deacons interpret the needs of the world to the Church and remind us of our work as followers of Jesus. The needs of the world are many, and as scripture reminds us: “the harvest is plentiful, the workers are few”.

I am grateful for all our active and retired deacons and the way they are carrying out vital ministries in our Diocese. Those currently serving include: Terry Goff in Mobile; Pratt Paterson at Wilmer Hall; Rachel Iversen at St. Monica’s and the Gulf Coast Freedom School; John Kendall and the Blackwater Prison ministry; Deborah Knight-Epps at St. Cyprians in Pensacola; and Susan McKee at St. Paul’s Magnolia Springs.

Should you be looking for an uplifting source of Lenten devotions, please consider Kay’s book. Thankfully, Kay reminds us that we do indeed walk together and hold light and space for one another in all seasons.

Joy Blaylock

Dean, School for Ministry

Missioner for Discipleship