Retiring director reflects on work in deacon formation

Deacon Gerard Williamson is retiring from the position he has served in since 2001.

DEACON GERARD WILLIAMSON | SPECIAL TO THE FLORIDA CATHOLIC

Posted: 06.19.09

This day represents the culmination of five years of dedication and hard work on the part of these men and their families, who sacrificed precious time and resources to prepare themselves to become servants of the Lord.

It also represents a considerable contribution of time and energy on the part of the Formation Team, consisting of Msgr. James Flaherty, Father Mike Flynn, Father Paul White, Deacon Tom Kennell and myself, whose purpose was to facilitate the formation of the human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral dimensions of the Diocesan Formation Program.

The members of this class represent a diverse group of individuals, who come from the far corners of our diocese and from all walks of life, including a doctor, a nurse anesthetist, an instructional designer, a pharmacist, a dental surgeon and several retirees. They range in age from 41 to 72, with an average age of 57. They are actively involved in ministry both at the diocesan and parish levels, including marriage preparation, bringing the Eucharist to the shut-in and hospitals, sacramental preparation, catechesis, adult faith formation, pro-life committee, bereavement programs, Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, Bible study, perpetual adoration, and all aspects of the liturgy.

Even more so, they bring a strong desire to want to serve God and the Church in whatever way they can best use their gifts and talents, with which they have been blessed.

The one thing that all of us have learned over the years, however, is that formation is not a process that is ever complete. The newly ordained, as well as the 20-year deacon, must continue to form himself, as he sees God calling him to become anew. We welcome these 17 new deacons into the order and ask for God’s blessing on them and the new challenges they face.

With the ordination of these men, my tour as director of deacon formation comes to a close, as I will retire from this position June 30. Since 2001, with class of 2005 and now the class of 2009, my wife, Nancy, and I have felt a real part of the formation family. The candidates have accepted us as members, and have shared their hopes, their pain, their frustration and joy with us. They were two wonderful groups who are and will be a great gift to our diocese.

Deacon Williamson has served as director of deacon formation and personnel since 2001.

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