Second Sunday of Advent, December 8, 2019
My Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,
This past year those involved in diaconal formation have requested and received input with regard to the ongoing future of the Order of Deacons in the Diocese of Gallup. We are going to change how formation is accomplished.
Beginning in the fall of 2020, we are going to seek, discern, evaluate, accept and start a single cohort of potential candidates for formation to serve our people as deacons. This process will be a five, rather than, four-year process and there will be no candidates accepted until this program is completed in 2025.
Like all vocations, we have a responsibility to pray that those men who have been graced with the necessary gifts, respond to the urging of the Holy Spirit and come forward and consider offering their lives to the service of Christ and His Church. I invite you to consider, discern, investigate and encourage suitable candidates to the Permanent Diaconate for our diocese.
The first step would be to have these men discuss the matter with their pastor. The deacons’ page of the diocesan website has a great deal of information about the requirements. Those considering application should avail themselves of this resource. Likewise, these men should be encouraged to contact Deacon Timoteo Lujan, Director of Diaconate at 505-290-4836 or tjlujan@tristategt.org.
The diaconate of our diocese has a long and rich history and has become an integral part of our mission and ministry. Your generous work and contribution to this important pastoral effort is deeply appreciated.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
+James S. Wall
The Most Reverend James S. Wall
Bishop of Gallup
