Congratulations to Christopher Weiland who is well on his way toward becoming a Deacon for the church! Christoper is pictured here with his wife, P.J..
The Institute for Diaconal Studies (IDS) is pleased to announce that on the 17th of April the Most Reverend Joseph N. Perry, Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago, will preside at the Rite of Institution into the Ministry of Reader and welcome Christopher into this ministry at the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, University of Saint Mary of the Lake in Mundelein. He is part of a diaconate formation cohort of 15 candidates who will become instituted Readers during this rite.
IDS would like to invite all parishioners of Our Lady of Perpetual Help to join them in support of Christopher, his wife P.J., and their daughters, along with all of the candidates and their families in celebrating this milestone of formation by attending this special Mass at 1:30pm on Sunday the 17th of April.
At the institution, Bishop Perry will charge Christopher to be faithful in handing on the Word of God so that it may grow strong in the hearts of God’s people. Additionally, being an instituted Reader also means “taking on a special office within the Christian community.”
Besides proclaiming the word in the liturgical assembly, an instituted Reader is responsible for:
- instructing children and adults in the faith;
- preparing them to receive the sacraments worthily;
- bringing the message of salvation to those who have not yet received it.
This is a formidable responsibility, but it is part of the continuing discernment process as Christopher moves forward on his journey in formation and listens to God’s plan for him in future ministry.
During his formation this year in preparation for this institution, Christopher is completing academic courses in Church History, Old Testament, New Testament, Ecclesiology, Spiritual Theology, Christian Anthropology, as well as Worship and Liturgical Music. He has also participated in a retreat with his wife P.J., and will attend a candidate retreat prior to his institution as Reader. Additionally, elements of his formation include a Service to Charity field education experience, completed last summer; and this year he is engaged in Service to the Word field education project. He attends monthly spiritual direction and is present for numerous formation sessions as he continues his journey on the Candidate Path toward the Order of Deacon.
Overall, the diaconate is thriving in the Archdiocese of Chicago. There are approximately 500 active deacons, with 48 men currently in the four-year formation program through the Institute for Diaconal Studies.
Please keep Christopher, his wife P.J., their daughters Kirby and Murphy, and all those in formation in your prayers that they might continue to answer God’s call in their lives to serve His Church.
If you are able to join us for this special liturgy at the main chapel in Mundelein, we also invite you to join us at a reception following Mass where everyone will have a chance to gather with the candidates and their families for fellowship to celebrate and share their support.
