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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

Susie Dutcher – Formation

Member –  Saint Gregory’s, Deerfield
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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.

M.E. Eccles – Deployment

Rector –  Saint Martin’s, Des Plaines
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Oversees assignments of deacons to parishes in consultation with bishop and bishop’s staff. Supports and facilitates changes in parish assignments or status.

David Gibbons – Relational Support

Rector – Saint Mark’s, Barrington Hills
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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.

Larry Green – Pre-Discernment Support

Larry Green photoDeacon
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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.