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December 19, 2023By Sr. Lois Paha, OP
On Sunday, December 10, 2023, the Common Formation Program class of 2026 was presented to Bishop Edward Weisenburger at two ceremonies marking their ongoing discernment for service to the Diocese of Tucson. Fifteen men will continue their journey to ordination as Permanent Deacons. They now enter the role as candidates declaring their commitment to their studies, prayer and preparation of this important ministry. Additionally, five women declared their on-going commitment to their studies and preparation as certified Lay Ecclesial Ministers.
The Diocese of Tucson Common Formation Program has been in place since 2004. This four-year program prepares the candidates for the Permanent Diaconate and the candidates for Lay Ecclesial Ministry as they work together in their studies of theology, spirituality, human development, and pastoral ministry. They attend most classes together and receive specific pastoral preparation for their areas of ministry.
Since 2004, more than 100 permanent deacons have been ordained and are in ministry in the diocese. Seventy-five Lay Ecclesial Ministers have completed their studies and continue to provide ministry to their parishes in areas of religious education, youth ministry, liturgy and outreach services.
The Role of a Deacon
Deacons represent the Catholic Church in its calling as servants in the world. By being aware of the needs of society and people, deacons exemplify the interdependence of worship and service in the Church's life. The deacon reveals the servanthood of Christ in which the people are to share.
The diaconate appealed to James Curtis, a longtime parishioner at Santa Monica Parish in Tucson. A husband and father, Curtis said that more than 10 years ago, priests and deacons planted the seed by merely asking if he would consider discerning. Curtis said he didn’t follow through because of the timing; he wanted to be fully dedicated to his vocation as a husband and father. Curtis said over the last 10 years, he and his wife discerned together and the answer for both was yes. His three children are now ages 16, 22, and 24. A brick layer by trade, Curtis told the New Outlook, “I have it in my heart. I felt a love and reverence for the Church and the Body of Christ and that led me to want to serve.”
Strengthened by sacramental grace, permanent deacons serve the people in works of charity, ministry of the Word, and ministry of the liturgy. Candidates for the Diaconate in the Diocese of Tucson must be between 40 and 65 years of age. Curtis will complete his formation in 2026. He says Santa Monica parish on the southern edge of Tucson continues to grow and he prays for other men to prayerfully consider vocations to the Church. “We should all try to plant the seed by asking and praying. I would not be where I am without the prayers of others,” he said. “There shouldn’t be any pressure. Just ask. Plant the seed and let the Lord work.”
Last week’s ceremony at the Cathedral gave Curtis great peace, “I was excited but also very peaceful because in that moment it was an affirmation. The ceremony was such an honor and privilege to be a part of the rite itself and moving forward in discernment.”
More information about the Diaconate can be found here.
Deacon Candidates
Front Row, left to right: Roger Torres, Binh Quang Ly, Wade Thompson, John James Kubat, Randy Lazar, Robert M. Goekler, Marcos E. Moreno, Jesus Tiznado, Federico Veloz
Back Row, left to right: Micheal Diehl, Luis J. Gonzalez Orsini, James Curtis, Randi L. Buros, Fernando Desarden, Ricardo JaramilloLay Ecclesial Ministry
At a separate ceremony with Bishop Weisenburger at the Cathedral, five women declared their on-going commitment to their studies and preparation as certified Lay Ecclesial Ministers. These lay women join deacon candidates in the Common Formation Program, but are trained in their specific areas of ministry.
Lay Ecclesial Ministers are women and men whose service to the Church is characterized by authorization of the hierarchy to serve publicly in the local church, leadership in a particular area of ministry, and close mutual collaboration with the pastoral ministry of bishops, priests, and deacons.
The term “lay ecclesial ministry” means:
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it is service done by lay persons;
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it has a place within the community of the Church, whose communion and mission it serves, under the discernment, authorization, and supervision of the local bishop and church leadership;
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and it is the work by which Christians participate in the threefold ministry of Christ who is priest, prophet, and king, and continue his mission and ministry in the world.
More information about the Common Formation Program can be found here.
Candidates for Lay Ecclesial Ministry
Left to right: Eva Rivera Jaramillo, Shantell Rains Kubat, Maria Franco, Marlene Loroña, Norma Valle
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