Enjoy reading & meditating on the Regional Directors' reflections over the next seven weeks.

Deacon Greg lighting the baptismal candle during baptism of granddaughter Rosemary Swaim

As we recall the Gospel Acclamation this Sunday “Shine like lights in the world as you hold on to the word of life.”  I am sure our minds gravitate to the similar experiences we all have had when we served during the late night of an Easter Vigil. The lights are typically low or out completely. And as the new Pascal Candle is freshly lit and brought into the darkened worship space, the candle pierces the darkness with its one source of light in the church building. First the pastor and shortly after, us deacons, light our own respective candles from the Pascal Candle and in turn light the candles of the parishioners in the pews next to us. After a few short moments, the whole church is illuminated even before the lights are turned on!

Likewise, in each Baptism in which we preside over, we light the candle of the newly baptized from the Pascal Candle and hand it to them reciting “RECIEVE THE LIGHT OF CHRIST!” Both moments provide us great visuals of bringing the word of life, the Gospel, to be shared with the rest of the world as we go forward in our respective ministries.

We also see this being played out as the trio of Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy write to the budding church in Thessalonica remembering “their work of faith and labor of love and endurance in hope of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Their efforts are bringing the light of the Gospel into a whole city that prior to was rather dark and without hope. We get the opportunity to go out into all northern Colorado and do the same! Particularly at this time of year, as the days are shorter and perhaps our commutes to and from our respective duties are made with headlights on, it can remind us of the darkness in the world. 

Regardless of where we are going, we have all been chosen as Deacons to “Shine, Shine like lights to the world, as we hold onto the word of life.” There is someone out there that needs this light.

The light of Christ.

PAX, Deacon Greg Perzinski - Director for St. Philip Region

In Christ the Servant + Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
Receive + Believe + Teach + Practice