DIAKONIA
Volume VII Number 1 / July 2021
Diaconate Ordination
Bishop Mark ordained Mark Komula to the Permanent Diaconate on Saturday, June 5th at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona.

When asked if there was anything in particular that helped him during his period of discernment, Deacon Mark referred to a particular Bible verse which came up quite a few times and was in fact in the Gospel reading used at the Mass of Ordination:

"It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name
He may give you."
(John 15:16)

Deacon Mark and his wife Janis are members of Saint Peter Catholic Church in Somerset, where he has been appointed by Bishop Mark to begin his Diaconal Service. They are the parents of two sons and have 5 grandchildren.

God's blessings upon Deacon Mark as he begins his ministry. May the Holy Spirit shine on him as he serves the community of God's people.
Upcoming events text written over blue background.
Annual Deacon Picnic
Sunday, August 15, 2021
2:30 PM - ???
St. Michael Pavilion, St. Michael

Rite of Lector and Acolyte
Saturday, September 18, 2021
5:00 PM
Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament

Annual Dinner with Bishop Mark for Deacons and Wives
Thursday, September 30, 2021
6:00 PM
U.S. Hotel Tavern, Hollidaysburg

Annual Marion Celebration
"Mary and the Year of St. Joseph"
Sunday, October 3, 2021
3:00 PM
St. Benedict Church, Johnstown

Day of Recollection for Deacons, Candidates and Wives
"Sowers of Hope"
Directed by Nina Marie Corona
October 9, 2021
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
St. Bartholomew, Wilmore

Parish Mission
"Encounter: Christ and Community"
Nina Marie Corona, Presenter
October 10-11-12, 2021
7:00 - 8:30 PM Nightly
St. Benedict Church, Johnstown
sign showing the message of happy anniversary
Pope Francis Meets Permanent Deacons Along With Their Families
Pope: Deacons are the Guardians of Service in the Church
Pope Francis received in audience on June 29, 2021 the permanent deacons of the Diocese of Rome, along with their families. Please click the link below to read the Holy Father's address:

old books on the background of a wooden
The Book Shelf
INSPIRING STORY

5-Year-Old Boy Interrupts Homily and Asks for Prayers for His Intubated Godfather
Magnus Sannleiker - publised 06/13/21

This little boy came to the priest with simple faith, and his prayer request was answered. READ THE STORY
Sower seeding the seeds_ the Gospel parable from the Bible about the Sower
Day of Recollection
SOWERS OF HOPE
Nina Marie Corona
One of the great challenges and responsibilities of ministry is to be "Sowers of Hope" for others. Throughout this Day of Recollection, we will reflect on the many blessings and the real challenges of being "Sowers of Hope"
More information to follow
ENCOUNTER
Christ and Community
2021 Parish Mission
Presented by Nina Marie Corona
October 10-11-12, 2021
St. Benedict, Johnstown
7:00-8:30 PM Nightly
Tickets are not required
A Love Offering will be taken
Does the Church Need Deacons?
Fr. Z, St. Ignatius and the
Constitution of the Church
Rev. Mr. Matthew Newsome - Read the Full Story
New Deacons: A Blessing In Their Witness and Service
By Gina Christian - CatholicPhilly.com
Nine men were ordained to the permanent diaconate Saturday, June 12 on what Archbishop nelson J. Perez called "a great day of blessing for the church in Philadelphia."
Office of the Permanent Diaconate
625 Park Avenue
Johnstown, PA 15902
(814) 361-2000
Deacon Michael L. Russo, Director