First generation of deacons to celebrate 40 years of service in the Diocese of Salt Lake City

Friday, Sep. 16, 2016

SALT LAKE CITY — The first generation of deacons of the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City consisted of 14 men who were ordained Dec. 26, 1976 by the Most Reverend Joseph Lennox Federal,  sixth Bishop of Salt Lake City.

Out of this deacon generation, one is still active, three are semi-active, four are retired and six have died.

Deacon Stanley Stott is part of this first generation.

“When we were first ordained it was a not knowing … We knew we were going to work in the diocese but we didn’t know where,” said Deacon Stott.

Not knowing where they would be assigned, plus the fact that at that time deacons were not a usual sight at any parish, made this first generation very humble and diligent.

“It was scary, and there was lots and lots of praying involved. When I first got accepted to this first generation of deacons it was a real transition and learning experience because I didn’t know what to expect at all,” said Deacon Stott.

The Second Vatican Council restored the diaconate as a permanent order in the hierarchy. When the first diaconate class in Salt Lake City was ordained, people didn’t know what a deacon was or what were they supposed to do, “so it was just a matter of being there and doing the work that you were supposed to do  and doing it the best we could do,” Deacon Stott said.

“Without the ministry and charism of deacons, we as ‘church’ are not fully the Body of Christ in the world today. In my opinion, this is the primary reason deacons are an important asset for our diocese,” said Monsignor Colin F. Bircumshaw, diocesan administrator.

The eight men who formed the first diaconate class in Salt Lake City were ordained as permanent deacons, but since then the National Office for the Diaconate has suggested that the term “permanent deacon” be retired.  

“We should refer to there being 1) deacons and 2) transitional deacons (priesthood candidates who have been ordained to the Order of Deacon on their way to priesthood ordination). In saying all this, it remains very important and helpful that we have the ministry of deacons who by ordination are the ‘ordinary’ ministers who can baptize, marry, and bury, proclaim the Gospel and preach, and serve the needs of the poor,” said Monsignor Bircumshaw.

Over the past 40 years, parishioners have become more accustomed to and accepting of the deacons, Deacon Stott said.

“Everyone was so diligent that it really helped, so people started accepting deacons. In these 40 years the deacons have come a long way in the diocese,” said Deacon Stott. 

“What seemed new and strange and novel is now accepted, esteemed and treasured. The generosity, sacrifice and expertise of our deacons has assured that their ministry is welcomed and appreciated,” said Monsignor Bircumshaw, adding that too often emphasis on the importance of deacons is tied to the shortage of priests, but “this does the diaconate a theological disservice. Without deacons, the ‘servant’ element of being a Christian is not made fully manifest in any diocese. Their leadership ministry is especially appreciated in a diocese like Salt Lake City, where priests are not always available and Sunday Celebrations in the Absence of a Priest (SCAP) are often required.” 

The 40 years of service has taught Deacon Stott humility, and he also has learned that being present for everyone is a central part of their ministry, he said.

“Being very humble and being there always for the people that you are working for made me grow tremendously, especially in my prayer life,” he said. 

The men in the first generation of deacons in the Diocese of Salt Lake City are Deacon Robert Bambrick, Deacon John Conniff, Deacon Mansueto Flaim, Deacon Silvio Mayo, Deacon Lowell L. Palm, Deacon Stanley Stott  and Deacon John Weis; deceased are Thomas Buller, Leonard J. Henzke, Charles O’Connell, Tranquilino Otero, Joseph W. Reed, Deacon Bud Wardle and Richard E. Werling.