Brooklyn Diocese Held Annual Convocation for Deacons
Over 80 deacons gathered in Douglaston for a day of prayer and professional development.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Catholicism
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The Diocese of Brooklyn hosted its annual convocation for permanent deacons at the Immaculate Conception Center in Douglaston. The three-hour assembly focused on providing fraternity and spiritual renewal for participants.
Why it matters
The event offered a space for deacons from across the New York region to engage in professional refreshment and communal prayer. It reinforces the shared mission and vocation of the diaconate within the local Catholic Church.
The convocation lasted three hours and drew 80 attendees, ranging from 42-year-old Deacon Dowill Garcia to 92-year-old retired deacon Jean Baptiste Boursiquot. This gathering served as a milestone for a diaconate community that has been active since 1977.
The players
Harold Burke-Sivers
He is a deacon who served as the keynote speaker for the annual convocation.
Robert Brennan
He is the Bishop who presided over the closing Evening Prayer service for the assembly.
Diocese of Brooklyn
This is the primary religious organization that hosted the convocation at its center in Douglaston.
The details
Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers provided keynote presentations covering the mission of deacons and the spiritual life of men. Bishop Robert Brennan concluded the session by presiding over an Evening Prayer service.
Timeline
October 11, 2026: The Diocese of Brooklyn held its annual convocation for deacons.
Culture Shift
This event reflects the ongoing professional and spiritual development inherent in the Catholic diaconate established in 1977. It highlights how the Church facilitates ongoing formation for its clergy as part of its broader ecclesiastical mission.
The convocation serves to bolster the spiritual leadership and service capabilities of local deacons. Residents in the Diocese of Brooklyn, the Diocese of Rockville Centre, and the Archdiocese of New York may see the fruits of this professional development in their local parishes.
The takeaway
The gathering demonstrates the importance of clergy maintaining strong fraternal and spiritual bonds. Deacons often balance ministry with secular life, making these structured opportunities for reflection essential to their long-term service.
Further reading
For more information on religious events and resources in the area, visit the Catholicism section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Tablet.
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