Ep. 4.18: Ordaining Service: The Birth of the Permanent Diaconate in St. Louis

In this episode, Monsignor takes listeners inside one of the most transformative developments in the Archdiocese of St. Louis during the 1970s—the restoration of the permanent diaconate. Beginning with Vatican II’s call to revive this ancient ministry, he traces how St. Louis cautiously but deliberately built its program from the ground up. You’ll hear how early concerns, pastoral questions, and practical challenges shaped the formation process; how unexpected champions emerged; and how the first classes of deacons stepped into service with humility, balance, and deep devotion. From the charismatics who filled the earliest classrooms to the wives who offered essential support, to the men who became the Archdiocese’s first African American deacon, this episode highlights the human stories behind a movement that now strengthens parishes across the region. A rich, hopeful chapter in the life of the Church—told with Monsignor’s signature clarity, warmth, and historical insight.