CO_Mar17_WEB

PERMANENT DIACONATE
Deacon Owen Rogers: a life blessed by God’s presence
By Jordan Grantham
DEACON OWEN ROGERS is based
in Corpus Christi Parish, Cranebrook,
and has served as a deacon
for seven years, after his noted career in the
Royal Australian Navy. He was appointed
Pastoral Director of the Formation Committee
for the Permanent Diaconate in the
Diocese of Parramatta in February this year
for a term of three years.
The centre of Deacon Owen’s faith is
serving God in the Church and sacramental
ministries. The ordained ministry of the
permanent deacon requires men who desire
to serve Christ in the Mass.
“The miracle of God’s physical presence
to us at every Mass is the truest testament
to Christ’s love for us and his desire for
each of us to have a personal relationship
with him,” he said.
Deacon Owen’s tribe is a pillar of the
community in Western Sydney. He and
his wife, Jeanette, have nine children, 23
grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Deacon Owen is able to engage with
people’s issues and utilise his skills as a
husband and father. He said the Navy
taught him self-discipline, trust, leadership
and strategic thinking.
His dedication to service is extraordinary.
Deacon Owen has served in
the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW State
Council for 21 years.
As a deacon, he visits patients in Nepean
Hospital and takes communion to those
parishioners who are housebound.
Deacon Owen praises the enormous
frontline charitable works of the
Catholic Church.
“It is good to know such services exist
within the Church and as a deacon I can
enable people and steer them in a direction
that will be able to meet their immediate
needs,” he said.
“I’m conscious of the fact of being a link
to those marginalised people and others
in our community and enabling them to
establish a stronger relationship with God,
just by being present to them.”
Born in Dublin, Ireland, he said the
call to serve in ministry commenced at
an early age, when priests visited schools
and encouraged students to think about
becoming a priest.
“Becoming an altar boy at our local parish
church was an exciting time, allowing one
to learn Latin and also serve at Mass, “
he said. “This inner call to serve and help
others remained with me throughout most
of my working life.”
In June, Deacon Owen and Jeanette will
celebrate 55 years of marriage. They support
each other, as one in heart and mind.
“Jeanette and I met in January 1960 at a
dance in Sydney. From the very beginning
I had the feeling and I knew she was
the one for me, but I did not let her
know of this until later on when our
relationship developed.
“Jeanette gives her wholehearted support
to me in my diaconate role. Where possible,
she accompanies me to Mass, and to
diaconate formation meetings, and retreat
days. Our family is very supportive.
“We have a deep emotional and spiritual
recognition for each other and by this we
can truly be ourselves in what we do. We
often try to make each other feel special by
not taking our relationship for granted.”
The deacon’s routine of regular prayer has
been helpful in their relationship.
“Prayers during the day, evening and
night prayers as well as the divine office,
have certainly assisted us in our marital
relationship,” he said. “My devotion to Mary,
Our Blessed Mother has increased, enabling
us to recite the holy rosary daily as a family.
“We share our dreams, strengths, and
vulnerabilities with each other and have
a willingness to learn from each other.
Jeanette is a very strong advocate on
social justice.”
Deacon Owen first considered the
permanent diaconate after 27 years in the
Navy. He made inquiries to the Diocese and
commenced a Bachelor of Theology.
He was ordained on 5 December 2009
after several years of pastoral formation
courses and spiritual direction.
In June this year, Deacon Owen and his wife, Jeanette, will celebrate 55 years of marriage.
This inner call to serve and help
others remained with me throughout
most of my working life.
The Ven Fulton Sheen is one of Deacon
Owen’s inspirations, through Sheen’s
powerful program, Life is Worth Living.
The late Mother Mary Angelica of EWTN
television and author Scott Hahn are
other inspirations.
Deacon Owen is also inspired by
local clergy, including Very Rev Chris
de Souza VG EV, who he describes as a
“great natural homilist and director”,
Fr Peter Confeggi, “a wonderful tutor
and empowering leader”, and Fr George
O’Mara, “a great mentor”.
If you would like to find out more about
the ordained ministry of the permanent
diaconate in the Diocese of Parramatta visit:
http://parracatholic.org/
permanent-diaconate/
If you would like to find out more about the ordained ministry of the permanent diaconate
in the Diocese of Parramatta visit: http://parracatholic.org/ permanent-diaconate/
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MARCH 2017 CatholicOutlook 25