The Preaching as Hospitality Formation Program at Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology sponsored Diakonos and Hospitality in the Early Church and Today, an Advent morning of reflection, on Saturday, December 13, in Bethany Hall at Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ. Deacon Andrew E. Saunders, M.A. ’08, Co-Director, 4:12 Pathway for Pastoral Leadership Grant, and Deacon Peter A. Cistaro, M.B.A., Adjunct Professor of Pastoral Theology and former Director of the Permanent Diaconate for the Diocese of Paterson, offered several reflection talks. The morning included Mass, fellowship and a series of talks and reflections.
The first series of reflections focused on the ancient and biblical understanding of diakonos (deacon) using scripture and reflections on St. Stephen and others as models for service in the early Church. The second series of reflections focused on the Church today with the deacon being the driving force for its service. Although both talks focused on the diaconate with its unique charism for service, the event also emphasized the role of the deacon in empowering and animating the laity through baptism their call to service.
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