Dear Friends:
In October, at the annual convocation for priests of the Archdiocese held in Groton, a change in policy for deacons was announced. This past week, a notice came from the Office of the Diaconate that this policy has been formally implemented by Archbishop Coyne and that it applies to all deacons in the Archdiocese of Hartford, effective January 1.
The retirement age for deacons is normally seventy-five (75) years of age. Going forward, on attaining the age of 75, every deacon is to meet with the pastor to discuss his ministry, his health and his willingness to continue or not. The Director of the Diaconate is also involved in this discussion at some point. Once the consultations have taken place, a deacon may ask to retire outright or to continue in active ministry, writing a letter indicating his wish to the Archbishop. If the deacon chooses to remain in active ministry, the Archbishop will grant permission for a year, and every year thereafter, up to the age of eighty (80), that same process of consultation must be undertaken. These deacons are considered Senior Deacons Active. If the deacon asks for retirement, his faculties as a deacon are suspended and he is no longer permitted to assist at Mass, preach, baptize, or witness and bless marriages. These deacons are considered to be Senior Deacons Retired. Special permission on a case by case basis may be sought from the Archbishop in the case of family baptisms, funeral Masses, or weddings.
The major change in this policy affects all deacons in that, on reaching the age of eighty (80), all deacons are automatically considered Senior Deacons Retired. Deacon Nicholas Genovese, who has been a stalwart and mainstay at St. Agnes for many years, and at Precious Blood more recently is affected by this policy change. Therefore, as per the policy, effective January 1, 2025, Deacon Nick will be a Senior Retired Deacon. He will still be around, but he will no longer be able to assist at Mass, preach, baptize, or witness and bless marriages. I must say that I am sorry to lose his capable assistance. He was a valued collaborator with Fr. Francis Callahan at St. Agnes for many years, and his collaboration with me has proven to be equally so. I am not happy with this change in policy, but it is the decision of the Archbishop and we must abide by it.
A word about “faculties” is in order. All deacons and all priests work with the bishop, assisting him in the care of souls by administering the sacraments. We receive the “power” to do so by virtue of our ordination, but we cannot exercise that power without the granting of specific permission to do so by the bishop. This “permission” to exercise the ministry in the name of the bishop is what we commonly call “faculties.” That permission can be with- drawn at any time by the bishop, usually for reasons of age, incapacity, or disciplinary matters.
Please understand that Deacon Nick is not being singled out in this decision made by the Archbishop. It applies to all deacons, without exception, once they reach their eightieth (80th) year.
Deacon Nick turned 80 on November 8. In summary, I thank Deacon Nick for his generous service to the parish over many years. I know that he will be around, visible, and active as his time, health, and circumstances allow.