Deacons bring the needs of the world to the attention of the church. They organize outreach efforts in parishes. They raise questions: Why are people homeless and hungry? Why are our city streets places of danger for our young people? What can we do about it?
Deacons serve in parishes, most often the parishes that nominated them for ordination. However, they are not paid for their service there. They support themselves by work in the world.
The Deacons’ Leadership Team fosters growth in the diaconate in the diocese and provides support to deacons and people moving toward ordination. The team consists of seven members, appointed by the bishop. Members may be deacons, priests, or laypeople. Each member has a specific area of responsibility.
Deacons’ Leadership Team
Garth Howe – Networking
Deacon – Grace Church, Chicago
Email
Initiates and coordinates efforts to raise visibility and awareness of the diaconate in the Diocese of Chicago. Works with the bishop’s staff to create and update information and resources about deacons in diocesan publications and website.
Larry Green – Early Discernment Support
Deacon – St. Chrysostom’s, Chicago
Email
Meets with persons interested in the diaconate (groups or one-on-one conversations) to provide information on the ministries of deacons and on the ordination process.
Tom Craighead – Formation
Deacon – On sabbatical in 2019
Email
Guides and supports formation for postulants and candidates. Works with new postulants to develop competency-based formation plans and monitors progress toward demonstration of competencies.
Sue Nebel – Deployment
Deacon – St. Augustine’s, Wilmette
Email
Oversees assignments of deacons to parishes in consultation with bishop and bishop’s staff. Supports and facilitates changes in parish assignments or status.
Kevin Caruso – Relational Support
Priest – Rector, Trinity, Wheaton
Email
Provides resources to develop and strengthen effective working relationships between deacons and rectors/vicars, priests-in-charge. Provides support to deacons and priests in situations of transition or conflict.
Sue Youngblood – Mission and Ministry Support
Deacon – St. Christopher’s, Oak Park
Email
Monitors current ministries of deacons inside and outside of their parishes. Supports collaborative efforts and projects of deacons.
Toni Daniels – Continuing Education
Lay – Member, St. Paul and the Redeemer, Chicago
Email
Provides information on resources for continuing education for deacons. Organizes semi-annual gathering of deacons, postulants and candidates.