Did you know that the first Christian martyr, St. Stephen, ordained at the hands of the Apostlesas one of the first seven deacons, lived and died proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ? In thelast four decades, hundreds of men have proclaimed the same Gospel with their own lives, livesof loving service that have in turn changed countless other lives for the better. Called by Christto minister to the people of the Archdiocese of St. Louis, our Deacons are preaching God’s Wordto us, praying fervently for us, and caring compassionately for us each and every day. And eachyear, many men discern that same call and begin the process of formation that, God willing,leads to ordination as Deacons. Can you help support these men as they discern God’s will intheir lives? Deacon formation in the Archdiocese relies heavily on the support of this year’sannual Deacon Formation Collection, held this weekend in our Parish. Please be as generous aspossible. God bless you for your support!