11 ordained as Roman Catholic deacons

Jim Byrne, an emigrant from Ireland, was a regular but not especially active churchgoer for years.

Then one day, as his involvement grew, he heard a homily about people giving their time and talent to the Roman Catholic Church. The message hit home, and he decided to act: He would become a deacon.

"I had no idea really what a deacon did, but I thought I was called to offer my life," said Byrne, 61, a parishioner at St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church in Greenlawn.

Byrne was one of 11 men who became permanent deacons during a Mass yesterday at St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre.

Before more than 500 people, the new deacons each said "I do," pledging their obedience. Then they prostrated themselves in the aisles of the church while parishioners prayed.

"It's a very emotional ceremony," said Amy Colvin, 40, of Huntington, who went to see her friend Dale William Bonocore get ordained. "It was very humbling for them to lay down on the floor before the community."

Bishop William Murphy recited the prayer of consecration over the men before kissing each on the cheek and cloaking them in white-and-gold dalmatic robes.

There are a growing number of deacons in the Diocese of Rockville Centre, working in parishes and assisting priests in everything from baptisms to preaching to visiting the sick.

Deacons are "an essential part of the church today," said diocesan spokesman Sean Dolan. "Their ministry is very, very important to us here in Rockville Centre."

The total number of permanent deacons in the diocese has grown to 280, including 30 who are retired, he said. That compares with 219 deacons in 2001 and 165 in 1990.

Deacons are distinct from priests and assist bishops "in ministering to God's people," Dolan said. "The deacon is dedicated to evangelism through acts of charity and service."

Deacons cannot celebrate Mass, or administer the sacraments of penance, confirmation or the anointing of the sick, though they do help promote vocations to the priesthood.

About 98 percent are married, Dolan said, and they come from various professions.

The Diocese of Rockville Centre ordains about 10 or 11 permanent deacons each year. Applicants undergo an extensive screening process, and if approved take a four-year training program that includes classes once a week at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Lloyd Harbor.

Basil Bliss, 64, a Catholic high schoolteacher who attends St. Anne Roman Catholic Church in Garden City, said he decided to become a deacon after meeting some men who were studying for the diaconate at the seminary.

"We all have gifts God gives us. Our job is to share them with others," said Bliss, who is married and the father of two adult children. "It's just an awesome responsibility."

With Aisha Al-Muslim