Diocese of Rhode Island Designates 2015 as the Year of the Deacon
and celebrates Diaconal Ministry on May 30 at 4 pm

On July 13, 1985, Bishop George Hunt ordained the first class of Deacons who completed their formation and academic preparations at the Diocese of Rhode Island School for Deacons. This was the beginning of the revival and resurrection of the vocational Diaconate not only in the Diocese of RI, but also in the Province of New England.

To celebrate, the Diocese of Rhode Island has designated 2015 as the Year of the Deacon and will celebrate diaconal ministry on May 30, 2015 at 4 pm at St Martin's Episcopal Church in Providence.  The deacons are also raising funds and awareness for St Mary's Home for Children. They invite you and your parish to find creative ways to raise money through May. We hope to have an online way for you to contribute shortly or you can write a check made out to the Diocese of RI with "Deacons St Mary's Fund" in the memo and send it to 275 North Main Street, Providence RI 02903.  The collected funds will be presented to St. Mary's Home for Children on May 30 at St. Martin's, Providence, during a 4 pm festive Eucharist.

St Mary's Home for Children opened its doors in 1877 within the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island.  Rev. Daniel Ingalls Odell was rector of St Mary's Church in East Providence when a couple in his parish died leaving two children.  During the same winter, another couple died leaving five children.  Father Odell took them in and provided for their care. St Mary's has always been a non-profit agency, committed to serving the changing needs of children and families. Today it is Rhode Island's largest and most comprehensive treatment facility for boys and girls who may have been traumatized by abuse and those experiencing psychiatric and/or emotioinal problems. 

Join us both in the celebration and fundraising!