Comedy and Cuisine

Cathedral Chimes, November 1972

Pictured here are Dave Gurney, Fred Sommer, Jim Watson, and Joe Archibald, who are entering their 2nd year of the 3 year program that will see them ordained as deacons of the Catholic Church.

The deaconate program, though new to the 20th century Catholic, actually has its roots deep in Christian history. It was "re-discovered" by Vatican II.

The program is taught by Rev. Patrick McCaslin and has 18 men from the Archdiocese of Omaha. Classes are held twice each week and every sixth weekend is a workshop. The first year's program dealt with many facets of the Church, including scriptures, moral theology and Christian anthropology.

The entire purpose of becoming a deacon is to serve, said Jim Watson. Deacons are described as "men of commitment and faith… men attempting to meet the needs of the people of God in the 20th century. They are men who have been touched by Christ and want only to touch others with Christ."