Diaconate
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.
Office of the Permanent Diaconate
Deacon Michael Russo
Director of the Permanent Diaconate
(814) 288-3036
(814) 241-0576 (Cell)
mrusso@dioceseaj.org
Jessica Gramling
Administrative Assistant
jgramling@dioceseaj.org
The Call to the 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.
Answering the Call
Exploring the Permanent Diaconate
Is God Calling You to Become a Deacon?
Do you believe that God might be calling you to discern the Ordained Ministry of Christ the Servant, as a Permanent Deacon in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown? If so, you and your wife (if married) are invited to join Bishop Mark and Deacon Michael Russo at the “Bishop’s Night of Vocations” on Wednesday, October 2nd at 7 p.m. at the US Hotel Tavern, Hollidaysburg. Reservations for this event are required and can be made by contacting Jessica at (814) 361-2000. The deadline for reservations is Sept. 2. For more information on the Permanent Diaconate please contact Deacon Michael Russo, Director at (814) 288-3036. All are welcome!
Deacons minister to God’s people through Word, Sacrament, and Charity. The Deacon is called to serve in the manner of Jesus. He is first and foremost a Christian man in his usual employment and lifestyle, trained and formed by additional study and prayer and graced by the Sacrament of Holy Orders for a special ministry to the community.
This series of interviews were created to help better understand and explore the Diaconate journey from Formation to Ordination.
Father Patrick Cronauer, O.S.B.
Formation Instructor
Sister Marilyn Welch, C.C.W.
Adjunct Formation Instructor
Nelson and Shelley Lowes
Candidate
Deacon Mark and Janis Komula
Newly Ordained Deacon
Upcoming Events
2023 Shroud Talk
Diakonia Newsletter
