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Archives Bishop meets with new Council of Deacons

Nov. 11, 2015

By Deacon Kevin Mastellon
Staff writer

Ogdensburg -Bishop Terry R. LaValley met Oct. 10 with representatives of the ordained permanent deacons of the diocese. 

The men and women who gathered for the discussion formed the Council of Deacons established last May by Bishop LaValley at the community's Assembly in Lake Placid.

During the summer deacons voted for representatives to serve on the Council.  The wives and widows of deacons elected two representatives. 

The council will meet at least twice a year with the bishop to allow for a "full and free discussion of issues pertaining to the pastoral ministry of deacons" in the Diocese of Ogdensburg.

Deacon Paul White of Westport was elected to represent deacons in Essex, Hamilton-Herkimer and Adirondack Deaneries.  Deacon Henry Leader of Gouverneur was elected to represent deacons in the St. Lawrence Deanery. Deacon John Levison of Ellenburg Center was elected to represent deacons in the Clinton and Franklin Deaneries.  Deacon Kevin Mastellon of Watertown was elected to represent deacons in the Jefferson and Lewis Deaneries.  Deacon Thomas Kilian of Ogdensburg was chosen to represent Deacons in chaplaincy positions (hospitals, correctional facilities), deacons employed by the Diocese in some capacity and deacons who are retired or disabled.

The wives and widows of deacons chose Gayle Frank from Clayton and Kathleen Mastellon from Watertown to be their representatives.

Serving as ex-officio members of the Council are Father James W. Seymour, Episcopal Vicar for Pastoral Personnel, Deacon John White, Director of Deacon Formation and Deacon Mark Bennett, Plattsburgh, President of the St. Lawrence Society of Deacons of the Diocese of Ogdensburg. 

Bishop LaValley serves as President of the Council.  The members selected Deacon Mastellon to serve as Vice President and Deacon Leader as Secretary.

Council of deacons

Members of the newly formed diocesan Council of Deacons are shown during their Oct. 10 organizational meeting. Seated, from left, are Deacons Thomas Kilian and John Levison, Father James W. Seymour and Bishop Terry R. LaValley; standing, Gayle Frank, Deacons Henry Leader, John White and Kevin Mastellon and Kathleen Mastellon.

 

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