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2018 Worldwide Chinese Permanent Deacon Conference

Life of a Deacon: Past, Present and Future

Life of a Deacon: Past, Present and Future

Bild vergrößern Subsequent to the First Worldwide Chinese Permanent Deacon Conference held in Hong Kong in 2013, the 2nd Worldwide Chinese Permanent Deacon Conference was held from May 13 to 17, 2018 at the Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Twelve permanent deacons and wives from Canada (6), U.S.A. (2), Australia (1), and Hong Kong (3) as well as 1 deacon candidate from Hong Kong attended the conference. The theme of the conference was “Life of a Deacon: Past, Present and Future”.
The conference began with Deacon Peter Lovrick of Toronto giving a talk on ”Preaching in the 21st Century” in Mandarin. He gave a very insightful presentation on the historical development of preaching from Origen to Pope Francis drawing on remarks by popes as well as documents such as Presbyterorum Ordinis, Mysterium Fidei, Evangelii Nuntiandi, Catechesi Tradendae and Homiletic Directory. It is very informative on how homily should be prepared, focus, and preach.
Deacon Peter Fan from Ottawa talked about his life as a deacon of word, liturgy and charity but also as a Pastoral Coordinator – Canon 517.2 with canonical authority for his parish since his parish does not have a pastor. Eucharist is celebrated by visiting priest studying in the university. His responsibility includes pastoral care, administering property, preparation of annual budget, recruiting and organizing training for volunteers in various ministries, marriage preparation, care for the sick and elderly, new immigrants, RCIA, etc.
Deacon Robin Cheung, spoke on vocation and family and how they are connected to one another.
Deacon Michael Ho, Toronto shared his experience and role as regional coordinator in his ministry to seafarers for Toronto, Oshawa, Hamilton, St. Catherine, and neighboring ports. The challenge recruiting chaplains visiting ships arriving to the ports, meeting the changing needs of seamen, etc.
Deacon Paul Ma, Toronto talked about faith and family.
Deacon John Wu, Calgary spoke on ministry in the healthcare system. How to manage pains and sufferings. How to deal with death, lost, guilt, dying, failure, innocence and loss of joy. The basic attitude in this ministry is to be present, accompanying not directing, be an instrument of healing and listening. To be the person God wants you to be.
Deacon Edwin Ng, Hong Kong, spoke about his role as a licensed prison chaplain in Hong Kong. He serves not only Catholic, but also inmates of other faith. Some of the challenges he faces is how to recruit and train volunteer chaplains, visiting priests to provide sacramental services, such as Mass, confession, anointing of the sick and competing on resources with other NGO agencies.
Mr. Simon Chan and his wife Margaret, Hong Kong, talked about the ministry of marriage and family; and share their experiences and challenges in their 25 years as volunteers in marriage and family service in the Hong Kong. Simon will be ordained to be a permanent deacon in November this year.
Bild vergrößern The conference ended with His Eminence Cardinal Thomas Collins, Archbishop of Toronto, who gave a very passionate talk on pastoral care for persons & families considering medical assisted dying. He went through the guidelines for celebrating the sacraments of anointing of the sick, and penance as well as funeral services for those persons. This is very helpful to deacons from places where euthanasia is still illegal. He also celebrated the closing Mass for the conference. The 3rd Worldwide Chinese Permanent Deacon Conference will be held in Hong Kong in 2023.


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