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Archives Council of Deacons meets with Bishop LaValley

November 24, 2021

By Deacon Kevin Mastellon
Contributing Writer

OGDENSBURG – Three new members joined the Council of Deacons when that group met with Bishop Terry R. LaValley on October 30. The meeting was in Brzana Hall of St. Mary’s Cathedral.

Karen Donahue of Chaumont succeeds Kathleen Mastellon of Watertown on the council. Donahue was newly elected as one of two representatives of the wives and widows of deacons in the diocese. Gayle Frank of Clayton is the other representative elected by the wives and widows of deacons in the diocese.

Deacon Thomas Yousey, Lowville, will represent the deacons in the Jefferson-Lewis Deanery. Deacon Lawrence Ambeau, Adams, was the previous deanery representative.

Monsignor Robert H. Aucoin, Waddington and Madrid, will serve on the council by virtue of his position as director of Deacon Formation, succeeding Deacon John Drollette, Plattsburgh.

Deacon Mark Bennett, Plattsburgh, has been elected to a full term on the council. Deacon Bennett represents deacons in the Clinton and Franklin Deaneries.

The Council of Deacons meets at least twice a year with the diocesan bishop to discuss issues of particular interest to the deacon community. It is similar to the Priest Council and Council of Consecrated Life in purpose and organization.

At the October meeting, the council received an update on the organization of a new deacon formation class, heard plans for the continuing formation of deacons to begin this year and discussed activating the Personnel Committee of the council.

Deacon Patrick Donahue, president of the St. Lawrence Society of Deacons in the Diocese of Ogdensburg, reported on the society’s activities and future plans. Deacon Donahue is ex officio on the council by virtue of his position with the Society.

Deacon Noel Voos, Evans Mills, was selected to represent the deacon community on the Diocesan Pastoral Council.

Other members of the Council of Deacons are Deacon Henry Leader, Gouverneur, who represents deacons in the St. Lawrence Deanery; Deacon Timothy Foley, Old Forge, the representative of deacons in the Adirondack, Hamilton-Herkimer and Essex Deaneries; Reverend Christopher Carrara, vicar of Clergy; and Deacon Kevin Mastellon, director of Permanent Deacons who are ex officio members of the council.

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