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Leaves of Absence
When a deacon finds it necessary to take a leave of absence from active ministry, he must first inform the pastor or pastoral supervisor at this parish/institution of assignment, and then submit a written request to the Bishop.  The request is to include the period of time for which the leaves is requested, and a statement indicating the reason for requesting such leave.  If the deacon is granted a leave of absence, the following conditions apply:
  • The deacon does not enjoy the faculties to baptize, to witness marriages, to preach, or to function as an ordinary minister of the Eucharist.
  • The deacon may not participate in any liturgical function or in any official diaconal ministry during his leave of absence.
  • The Bishop's Newsletter will indicate that the deacon is on a leave of absence.
  • The Diocesan Directory will indicate that the deacon is on a leave of absence.
  • If the deacon so desires, he may request that he remain on the various diocesan mailing lists to receive communications pertaining to the Diocese and the Deacon Community.
Before the end of an approved leave of absence, the deacon must submit a written request for reinstatement to active ministry.  This request is to be sent to the Bishop for approval or disapproval.  The request should indicate the parish or institution to which the deacon would like to be assigned if his request is accepted.  If the deacon seeks an assignment other than the one he held before his taking leave, his request must be accompanied by letters from both the pastor/supervisor of his previously held assignment and the pastor/supervisor of the parish or institution to which he seeks assignment.  Both of these letters must recommend to the Bishop that the deacon's request for return to active ministry is approved.
 
Retirement
A deacon may request retirement whenever illness prevents him from functioning in active ministry, or when he completes his seventieth year of age, whichever comes first.  After informing his appropriate pastor/supervisor at his parish/institution of assignment, he must submit a written request to the Bishop.  If the deacon's request for retirement is accepted, he is relieved of his assignment and his Ministry Agreement with the parish/institution  becomes void.  During retirement the following conditions apply:
  • The retired deacon may continue, if he so wishes, to exercise his ministry.  Unless otherwise stated, all his faculties remain as long as he continues to reside in the Diocese of Pueblo.  However, these faculties will be exercised with the consent of the local pastor and/or supervisor where the ministerial faculties are to be exercised.  Furthermore, he must now have specific delegation to assist at a marriage.
  • The retired deacon (and his wife if appropriate), may continue to participate in diocesan events for the clergy and/or specifically for deacons.
  • The Bishop's newsletter will announce the retirement of the deacon, and he will be listed in the Diocesan Directory as retired.
  • He will continue, if he wishes, to receive diocesan mailings that pertain to diocesan events, news, and clergy/deacon gatherings.
  • A deacon who retires from salaried employment from a parish or other diocesan institution comes under the guidelines stated in the Employment and Salary Policies for the Diocese of Pueblo.
In all this, the Diocese of Pueblo will strive to show its appreciation for the faithful service given by the retired deacon over the course of his ministry.
 
 
 

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