The Diocese of Toledo will host its biennial Permanent Deacon and Wives Convocation this weekend, June 27–28, at St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Findlay. Held every other year in odd-numbered years, the convocation brings together deacons and their wives for a time of formation, fellowship, and renewal in their shared vocation of service to the Church.
This year’s theme, “The Deacon as Servant-Leader,” will guide the two-day event, which will welcome approximately 100 deacons and their spouses. Attendees will gather Friday evening and throughout the day Saturday to explore the call to diaconal leadership in today’s Church.
The keynote speaker is Bishop Erik Pohlmeier of the Diocese of St. Augustine, Florida. A native of Arkansas, Bishop Pohlmeier brings a deeply personal understanding of the diaconate: he is the son of a permanent deacon, formerly directed the Office of Deacon Formation in the Diocese of Little Rock, and his brother also serves as a permanent deacon. Bishop Pohlmeier will offer reflections both Friday evening and Saturday.
Saturday will also feature breakout sessions tailored for both deacons and their wives. Nancy Kettinger and Anne Brahier, wives of permanent deacons, will lead a session offering space for conversation and support among the attending wives. Meanwhile, Msgr. Charles Singler will present to the deacons on “Bringing Hope Through Preaching in an Apostolic Age.”
The Convocation will conclude with a 4:30 p.m. Mass on Saturday, concelebrated by Bishop Daniel E. Thomas and Bishop Pohlmeier, followed by a banquet honoring deacons who are marking milestone anniversaries of service.
Please join us in praying for the continued vitality of the permanent diaconate in our diocese, and in thanksgiving for the generous witness of these men and their families.
Posted June 25, 2025 at 10:30 am