The Office of the Permanent Diaconate prepares the candidate during his process toward ordination and helps coordinate ongoing formation and assignments after ordination. The ordained deacon is essential to the liturgical and social life of the Diocesan Church.
The Call to Diaconate
Who do you know who is hearing the call to serve the Lord in the Church as a Permanent Deacon . . . maybe you? God continues to call men between the ages of 32 and 59 to participate in service ministry to God’s people in the Diaconate.
Office of the Diaconate
925 S. Logan Boulevard
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
Deacon Michael L. Russo
Director of the Permanent Diaconate
Hollidaysburg Office Phone: (814) 693-9870 — Ext. 2669
Johnstown Office Phone: (814) 288-3036
Cell Phone for Deacon Michael: (814) 241-0576
Deacon Michael’s E-mail: Michael.Russo@atlanticbb.net
Joan Noonan
Office of the Permanent Diaconate
Office Phone: (814) 693-9870
Joan Noonan’s E-mail: jnoonan@dioceseaj.org
SAVE THE DATE!
Is this the face of Jesus?
The Shroud of Turin Talk will be held at St. Benedict Parish, 2310 Bedford Street, Johnstown, Sunday March 26, 2017 at 3:00 PM.
In 2013 Bill Wingard established “Shroud Talks” to present the history and science of the Shroud of Turin and tackle the biggest mystery…Is the Shroud the actual burial cloth? Personal research coupled with the knowledge and help of the original photographer, Barrie Schwortz, for scientific evaluation in 1978 make for a powerful and comprehensive presentation that will not disappoint. You are invited to hear the talk and see the full size replica of the Shroud of Turin. Attendees are encouraged to bring their cameras.
No tickets are required; a love offering will be collected. For more information, contact Deacon Michael Russo at (814) 288-3036 or email: michael.russo@atlanticbb.net. All are welcome!
DEACONS IN GOOD STANDING IN THE DIOCESE OF ALTOONA-JOHNSTOWN
Ahearn, Chuck
Albranano Jr., Sam
Anna, Michael
Beavers, Tom
Becker, Bruce
Boldin, Tom
Buige, Tom
Cammarata, San
Concannon, John
Condor, Michael
Dalla Valle, Joseph
Gibboney, Donald
Gibson, Philip
Gill, Gary
Golden, Rick
Hornick, David
Ivanits, Laszlo
Janisko, Thad
Janosik, Jim
Kolonick, Ron
Lapinski, Dave
Little, Scott
Luke, Steve
McFee, Tom
Neral, Gene
Nester, Kevin
Ondik, Michael
Orlandi, Jack
Papinchak, Tom
Pyle, Jay
Russo, Michael
Szwarc, John
Underhill, Bill
Woomer Sr., Jim
Young, Chip
PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND
Under the Spiritual Direction of Father Dave Peles from St. Benedict Parish, Johnstown and hosted by Deacon Michael,
40 pilgrims experienced a once in a lifetime trip to the Holy Land. Featured below are some pictures from the pilgrimage.
GATHERING OF DEACON’S WIVES
Several of the wives of our Diaconate Community enjoyed a get-together
which was held at Marzoni’s Restaurant in Duncansville on April 30th.
RITE OF CANDIDACY
Bishop Mark accepted Jerry Nevling, (pictured with his wife Lori),
as a candidate for the Permanent Diaconate on Saturday, March 4, 2017.
Mass was celebrated at Saints Peter & Paul Parish in Philipsburg
where the Nevlings are members.
RITE OF LECTOR
Diaconate candidates Christopher Conner and John Roth
received Ministry of Lector at a Mass celebrated
by The Most Reverend Bishop Mark Bartchak on Saturday, October 1, 2016
at St. Bernard Church, Hastings. Pictured with Bishop Mark (left to right) is:
Christopher Conner, a member of St. Bernard Church and John Roth, a member of Most Holy Trinity, Huntingdon.
RITE OF CANDIDACY
Bishop Mark accepted Allan Duman, (pictured with his wife Joanna),
as a candidate for the Permanent Diaconate. Mass was celebrated
Saturday, September 3, 2016 at St. Mary Church in Hollidaysburg
where the Dumans are members.
ORDINATION
Pictured (left to right): Fr. Matthew Reese, Vocations Director; Deacon Peter Crowe;
Deacon Johnathan Dickson; Bishop Mark; Deacon Donald Gibboney and Deacon Michael Russo,
Director of the Office of the Permanent Diconate
The Most Reverend Bishop Mark Bartchak ordained Donald Theodore Gibboney to the Sacred Order of the Permanent Diaconate on Saturday May 14, 2016, at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona. Deacon Don is a member of Most Holy Trinity Parish in Huntingdon and will now be in temporary diaconal service at that location.
Also ordained as Transitional Deacons were seminarians Peter Crowe and Johnathan Dickson. Deacon Peter is a member of Our Lady of Victory in State College and is currently attending St. Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, PA. Deacon Johnathan is a member of St. Therese of the Child Jesus in Altoona and is currently attending St. Mary’s Seminary and University in Baltimore, MD.
In his homily, Bishop Mark reflected on the reading from the Acts of the Apostles and the meeting place between God and His people. That like the Apostles, it is essential to be devoted to the word of God:
“a ministry that is absolutely vital to fostering the growth of the Church established by the Lord Jesus Christ. Diakonia, service is at the heart of the ministerial functions and responsibilities of a deacon.
It applies to Donald, who today is ordained deacon in a stable and permanent way. It
applies to Jonathan and Peter, who are ordained deacon in a manner that is often
characterized as transitional, because God-willing, they will be ordained priests next year.”
God’s blessings upon Don, Peter and Johnathan as they continue their ministry. May they be men of prayer, stay firmly rooted in their faith and lead others to discover the true meaning of hope that comes from God.
CONTINUING EDUCATION AND ONGOING FORMATION CLASSES
For a complete list of classes offered, class information and registration forms visit:
www.dioceseaj.org/lay-ecclesial-ministry
These courses offer an excellent opportunity for ongoing formation and all costs are covered by the Diaconate.
Please note that a registration form still needs to be filled out and submitted to The Office of Lay Ecclesial Ministry prior to the start of the class.