Gerard Gautrau
Dedicated SCB Men of Manresa member Gerard Gautrau has been accepted into the diaconate formation program and announces his mandatory withdrawal from all other ministries. The Men of Manresa will keep Gerard, his wife Laura, and their entire family in our prayers.
Gerard Gautrau to take leave of absence
The Lamb, February, 2009
For those who are not aware, after many months of discernment for Laura and I, an arduous application process, and many prayers, I received notice from Archbishop Hughes that I have been accepted in the diaconate formation program. I will begin class on January 16, and, Lord willing, be ordained in December 2012.I’m proud to be in formation with Jeff Tully, another SCB parishioner, who is beginning his third year of studies and will be ordained in December 2010.
I and all other newly selected diaconate candidates have been ordered by Archbishop Hughes to immediately withdraw from all ministries. During the diaconate process I will slowly take on a presence again by first being a Reader and later, an Acolyte, where I will be able to distribute communion. The thinking of the Archbishop is that the Permanent Diaconate is a special vocation and he wants the parish to see us in a new way. Additionally, because the training is so time consuming and intense, there is little time for other ministries.
I have not been given any indication that it would be improper to attend the Manresa retreat in the summer, if you’ll have me.
I’m sure I echo Jeff’s sentiments and certainly mine when I ask for your prayers for us and our wives during the coming years.
I’ll miss you guys during the next four years, but promise to keep you in my prayers.
Gerard Gautrau
