Hong Kong Catholic Diocese Diocesan Commission for Permanent Diaconate Annual Report 2020

The Commission

1. On 1.2.1993, Cardinal John Wu initiated a task force on permanent deacon with the aim to promote the establishment of permanent deacon in the Hong Kong Catholic Diocese for a trial period of 3 years. Subsequently the Diocesan Commission for Permanent Diaconate (the Commission) was officially set up in 1996.

Mission

2. - responsible for the strategic planning, publicity, promotion, selection, formation, designation and assignment of tasks - strengthen and enhance the publicity and awareness of formation of permanent deacon within the Catholic Diocese

Appointment of Members

3. On 10.2.2020, Cardinal John Tong Hon, Apostolic Administrator-Bishop Emeritus appointed/reappointed the following to be members of the Committee for a term of 2 years from 1.2.2020 to 31.1.2022:

Chairman: VG Dominic Chan Members: Rev. Joseph Chan Wing Chiu, Rev. Christopher Chor, Rev. Giorgio Pasini, PIME, Rev. Francis Tam, Rev. Deacon Edwin Ng, Mr. Bernard Chan, Ms. Jennie Chan, Ms. Maggie Chan, Ms. Teresa Chu, Dr. Anthony Lam, Mr. Simon Li, Ms. Cecilia Ng, Ms. Louise Wong

3.1. VG Dominic Chan was also appointed as the Director of Formation.

Meetings

4. The Commission has convened 4 meetings during 2020, i.e. on 10.3.2020, 9.6.2020, 5.9.2020 and 20.11.2020. A brain storming, as well as a special session on review of progress and planning of future tasks, was also held during the meeting on 5.9.2020.

Focus of Work

5. The focus of work for the year continues to emphasize the enhancement of spiritual formation/preparation and broadening of scope of learning for permanent deacons, candidates and aspirants; discussion as well as followup actions on the ‘Study of Development of Permanent Deacon in Hong Kong’ undertaken by the Chinese University Hong Kong Centre for Catholic Studies in 2017, and review of the scope of pastoral and charity work by deacons during the epidemic (see para 17-24 for details).

Report of Director of Formation

6. As the Director of Formation and Chairman, VG Dominic Chan is in charge of implementing the decisions of the Commission. He is also responsible for the strategic planning, publicizing, promoting, selection, formation, designation and task assignment of the existing 21 serving permanent deacons, 17 candidates currently undergoing theological, pastoral and charity training in order to better understand the operation of the church, and allocation of suitable tasks and appointment of membership in committees and agencies for permanent deacons and candidates (see Appendix 1 for details).

7. The Director of Formation held regular meetings with permanent deacons, candidates and aspirants. The purpose is to understand their work, experience and insights so as to better allocate suitable pastoral and charity services, as well as provide necessary training for guidance and encouragement. Due to the COVID-19, meetings were conducted through video conferencing.

8. Log diary

8.1 The Commission has prepared 'Permanent Deacon Log Diary' for permanent deacons, candidates and aspirants to enable them to keep comprehensive and systematic record of the whole journey from formation, study and

spiritual pursuit to review and examination. Such record would be useful for the Director of Formation to provide suitable guidance during their interviews. This practice also allows the Director to fully understand the progress of formation and religious life of individual permanent deacon, candidate and aspirant. The Commission would further consider upgrading the Diary to electronic format in line with the changing digital technology.

8.2 For candidates and aspirants, the Director will arrange psychological assessments by professional clinical psychologists.

8.3 We are very mindful about the personal spirituality and progress in the life of prayer of permanent deacons, as well as how to maintain harmonious relationship within their families.

8.4 The Director also arrange personal spiritual advisors and tutors for the permanent deacons, candidates and aspirants, trying to provide companion throughout the evolving process of their religious journey.

8.5 Experienced permanent deacons are also appointed as tutors for candidates and aspirants as their mentors, with the purpose of building a close-knit community and enhancing greater sense of belonging and experience sharing.

9. The Commission has prepared the Parish Pastoral Ministry Memorandum to help the parish priests to give guidance and followup actions to deacons and candidates during their internship and services.

10. The Commission has also published the Prayer for Permanent Deacons as the common prayer for sharing during gatherings and publicity events (see Appendix 2).

11. The Commission has set up a 'Spirituality Formation Group' (members include Rev. Francis Tam, Rev. Christopher Chor, Rev. Joseph Chan Wing Chiu, Sr. Lucia Mak，Ms. Jennie Chan) to provide spiritual guidance for the aspirants, candidates and deacons. The Group has also designed a special curriculum integrating both the ‘St. Francis’ and ‘St. Ignatius’ model. The content combines the lectio divina (holy words), discernment, examination,

mindfulness meditation and prayer as the basis for practice in life through following the personal log dairy in their spiritual exercise. This would be a compulsory subject in the formation preparation and also a requirement for annual training for all aspirants, candidates and deacons. During the 3-year formation cycle, attendants need to select a convenient timing to attend. We have already completed four such programmes. The next round is currently under planning and would be conducted at a suitable time. We have now identified 8 potential deacons and 7 deacon wives to join the Spiritual Tutor Group to be trained as future tutors with continuous succession for the diaconate community. The Group also helped to organize retreats and promote holistic spiritual formation for deacons (see para 25 for details).

12. The Commission has established the 'Curriculum Development Group' (members including Rev. Francis Tam, Rev. Deacon Edwin Ng, Ms. Louise Wong, Mr. Simon Li, Mr. Bernard Chan) to formulate the framework of curriculum, comprising theological doctrine, diaconate leadership, charity ministry and scope of spiritual formation. It has also worked out the detailed courses to be completed before diaconate ordination. The list of subjects has been incorporated in the timetable of continuing learning schedule held on every Monday. Part of the courses are also open to aspirants and wives of deacons who are interested to attend (see para 40 for details).

13. The 'Social Concern Group' was also formed to examine and consider social issues for sounding out their views as the role of prophets and witnesses (members include Commission representatives Rev. Deacon Edwin Ng and Rev. Giorgio Pasini, PIME, Rev. Deacon Anthony Sin, Mr. Bernard Chan, Dr. Anthony Lam, Ms. Maggie Chan, candidates Francis Tang, Thomas Lam and Paul Wat). In the light of impact of the ongoing epidemic on the grassroot ffamilies and disadvantaged groups of the society, we should resort more to praying, conversion and entrusting to our Father. As part of our daily routine, we must remember the poor and helpless in our prayers, as well as take positive initiative to care for them. Please refer to para 23 for details on pastoral and charity work undertaken by deacons during COVID-19.

14. The Commission has arranged monthly meetings for deacons to enhance better mutual understanding and support (please see para 35 for details).

15. The Formation Director has already set up a direct link in the website of the

VG office（http://vgoffice.catholic.org.hk）, which will enable direct online linkage to facilitate easy sharing of information and compilation of data bank.

Appointment of Deputy Director of Formation

16. In the light of increasing size of the diaconate group and additional workload of the Commission, Rev. Deacon Edwin Ng was appointed as the Deputy Director of Formation. His role is to assist, share and support the duties of the Director of Formation as well as handle daily administrative routines of the office.

Focus of Work Report on HK Catholic Diocese Study of Development of Permanent Deacon in HK – 2017

17. The Chinese University Hong Kong Centre for Catholic Studies has completed the ‘Study of Development of Permanent Deacon in Hong Kong’. The report was released during a press conference on 23.4.2017 held in Yasumato International Academic Park of the Chinese University.

18. The Study report emphasized that the success or failure of the ministry of permanent deacon depends entirely on the aim and direction, i.e. whether the selection, discernment and formation programme is in line with the principles and requirements stipulated in the ‘Basic Norms for the Formation of Permanent Deacons’ issued by the Vatican Congregation for Catholic Education, as well as the ‘Directory for the Ministry and Life of Permanent Deacons’ issued by the Congregation for the Clergy.

19. In summary, the direction is to provide comprehensive and holistic formation for permanent deacons. This implies that, in addition to serving the Church, deacons have to strengthen their awareness of social issues, to optimize and make the best use of their role as insiders in the society to face the world, perform community work to help the laity to understand the importance and contribution of the Church in upholding the basic principles and value of social doctrines. As such, despite the tension and contradiction in the society, people would still be able to make ethical

judgment for justice, so as to reflect the Vatican II decision to revive the diaconate sacrament and enable the diaconate ministry to reflect their holy role in their service to the Church. Their charity and spirit of justice would enable deacons to bear witnesses to the world as a new energy and momentum for evangelization and spreading the gospel.

20. The Commission would follow the abovementioned requirements as yardsticks in reviewing and examining the current formation programme and procedures. During the planning process of formation, emphasis would be put on the understanding of ecclesiastical ministry and social teachings. The purpose is to enable diaconates to be more sensitive about social justice in their secular life, so as to voice out the grievance on behalf of those who are silent or underprivileged, and bring the gospel to the society. In return, deacons can also reflect and bring the current social issues back to the church to serve as witnesses of the church. Such related tasks are undertaken by the Social Concern Group highlighted in para 13, special topical studies in para 35 and continuing formation in para 40.

21. Based on the report recommendations, the Commission would enhance the laity’s understanding of the deacon ministry, its role as prophets and experience as witnesses via social service. To this aim, we have compiled a series of 13 feature articles on the historical review of the establishment and development of the ministry, as well as training and services of diaconate. It also included a collection called "Let's Go With The Deacons To Preach the Good News", comprising 8 articles written by deacons about their personal account and insights of their experience. All these articles had been published in Kung Kau Po since 6.9.2020. In addition, to better prepare deacon’s role as prophets, the curriculum of 'Introduction to Catholic Social Teaching (DOCAT)' would be strengthened to reinforce the appreciation of upholding righteousness and practicing compassion. Please see paras 35 and 40 for details.

22. In order to promote better understanding of permanent deacons, the abovementioned series and articles, already published in the Kung Kau Pao, will also be printed as a booklet for publicity. Such information would be uploaded onto the websites of VG Office, International IDC, HK Permanent Deacon Group and Faith Weekly (Xinde 信德網) in China. It would also appear

in the wechat network in Chinese (both traditional and simplified format) and English. Some members of the Deacon Group are also invited to send such information to friends via mobile messaging.

Pastoral and Charity Work by Deacons during COVID-19

23. Despite the restrictions on social distancing and gathering, our deacons and candidates still endeavored to continue their pastoral and charity work without any break: 23. 雖然疫情限制社交距離及聚會，但牧民及愛德服務並沒有休假。執事，

候選人繼續履行職務:

 making use of electronic device to conduct prayer gatherings, committee meetings and catechist classes, keep in touch with faithfuls waiting for baptism, continue contact with the laity  provide care and assistance for the poor families  in collaboration with Caritas, Catholic Commission For Labour Affairs, St Vincent de Paul Society, Diocesan Pastoral Commission for Marriage and Family and parish faithfuls, deliver daily provisions to the needy  distributing hygiene and anti-epidemic items to nursing homes, cleaners, grassroot families and street sleepers  visit canteen workers stationed in the airport  visit sailors and continue with pastoral services for the port  distributing sacks of rice to the needy, instead of inviting them to Community Dinner

24. During the brainstorming session on 5.9.2020, Commission members discussed the significant impacts on our lifestyle brought about by the epidemic, including our daily activities and religious practices, which called for a new approach in our formation. As a positive response, it is necessary to consolidate the foundation of our religion and broaden our perspective to incorporate a global view as well as foster a firm sense of mission. In terms of the content, it is necessary to seek enrichment of our life so as to bring about 'Parish Renewal' in fulfillment of the new theme of pastoralisation. This is in line with the objective of the recent Instruction on 'The Pastoral Conversion of the Parish Community in the Service of the Evangelizing Mission of the

Church', issued by the Congregation for the Clergy. Furthermore, we need to cultivate a new mindset that keep abreast with the changing world, i.e. to learn new IT skills for online pastoral services, to reach out to the community, to be humble and open minded, ready to listen and discuss. The Commission would follow the above directions in the design and implementation of our formation programmes in a systematic manner.

Spirituality Formation for Permanent Deacons

25. The Commission considers spirituality formation as an important and essential component of the entire process of formation for deacons. To achieve such aim, we have therefore formulated detailed programme throughout the entire process and for different phases of diaconate.

Aspirant stage (period of consolidation)

The Director of Formation, together with a member of the Spirituality Formation Group, would interview the aspirant and assign a tutor as his companion to walk together with him throughout the whole journey of aspirant. The aspirant is required to fulfill the following formation: 1. attend regular meetings with the tutor as required 2. daily prayer including morning prayer, afternoon prayer, reciting and evening prayer 3. daily reading of holy document (to be discussed with spiritual director) 4. follow ‘holy moments’ and ‘examination of consciousness’ 5. practise ‘spiritual exercise in daily life’ for 6-12 months (under spirituality guidance) 6. on completion of the ‘aspirant’ stage, undergo a 7-day retreat for discernment of response to calling, as preparation for moving forward to the ‘candidate’ stage

After receiving spirituality formation and under observation for not less than 1 year, the aspirant would be accepted as 'candidate'.

During this period, the Commission would arrange the aspirant to attend induction course for ‘ecclesiastical ministry’ so as to enhance his understanding of the work in the church. In addition, part of the main-

stream training course would also be open to interested aspirants to strengthen his personal awareness and help them to be better equipped to perceive key issues.

Candidate stage (period of strengthening)

The candidate would be recommended, at a suitable time, to attend ‘religious study’ or ‘theology and philosophy study’. He must attend the annual retreat once, followed by a 10-week long spirituality training together with his wife within the next 3-year cycle, as well as attend regular meetings with his spiritual tutor. Prior to receiving the 'Ministry of Acolyte', the candidate must take part in a retreat for not less than 7 days, for the purpose of discernment and reinforcing his response to calling, as well as make the best preparation for accepting the diaconate ministry.

Annual retreat All deacons, wives of deacons, candidates and wives of candidates are required to attend the annual retreat.

Formation for Wives of Deacons

26. The Commission recognizes that the participation of wives of deacons is of utmost importance during the whole formation process. Therefore it is necessary to ensure the following:

Strengthen the formation of wives of deacons, candidates and aspirants to clearly realize that the ministry of diaconate is a common calling for the couple, Enhance the spiritual life of wives of deacons, candidates and aspirants, help them know the Catechism of Catholic Church (CCC) and ecclesiastical teaching, so that they can share and walk the journey together with their husbands, Reinforce the community contact and mutual support of wives of deacons, candidates and aspirants, If the topic for the Monday formation programme is suitable, wives of deacons, candidates and aspirants are welcome to join (see para 40 for details).

27. The Deacon Wives Group also receives guidance from the Diocesan Liturgy Commission, learning how to repair liturgical costumes and outfits, handling liturgical equipment on the altar, and cleaning of sculptures. In fact, we have 7 deacon wives who are in the tutor group and currently attending spirituality formation. They would join the Deacon Group to be trained as future tutors in the succession plan (see para 11 for details).

28. Ms. Louise Wong, a member of the Commission, has conducted special orientation programme for the wives of candidates on 2 December 2020. The intention is to enhance their understanding and commitment of the diaconate ministry, so as to better accompany and support their husbands in their enduing journey, to face all the challenges, difficulties and blessings.

29. Despite the various restrictions during the epidemic, wives of our deacons and candidates have maintained close contacts by phone to share their care.

International Exchange and Network

30. The Commission was aware that the IDC (International Diaconate Centre) website is only available in foreign languages, such as German, English, Spanish, Italian and French. In order to enable Chinese-speaking congregations to obtain information from the website and gain access to IDC, we have offered to provide the Chinese version for the website. In so doing, permanent deacons in the HK Diocese can contribute to the cross-cultural and global communion of all our overseas brothers. Starting from 1.9.2016 onwards, the Commission has launched the Chinese version of IDC website. We would continue to undertake the translation work. For details please make reference to http://hk.diaconia-idc.org/. In parallel, we also plan to translate our local news/events from Chinese to English to facilitate better communication and dialogue with our counterparts globally.

31. Rev. Deacon Edwin Ng has been nominated as our HK representative in the IDC committee. It is hoped this platform would encourage deacons in Hong Kong to broaden our scope, maintain close network and promote more interchange with other deacon counterparts. To facilitate more efficient contacts, most of the meetings are conducted through video conferencing. For the current year, IDC has arranged 2 video conferences to discuss the following issues:

(a) the content and invitation of speakers for the 2020 International Symposium of the Diaconate in Stuttgart of Germany

(b) consideration and selection of venue for the 2021 International Symposium of the Diaconate, either Barcelona or Dublin

(c) invite regional representatives to contribute articles to the IDC website 'World Café', with updates on development of deacons in various areas

32. The International Symposium of the Diaconate, originally scheduled to be held in Stuttgart of Germany during 18-21 March 2020, was canceled due to COVID-19.

33. The International Symposium of the Diaconate is planned to be held during 15-19 September 2021 in Barcelona. The theme would be 'The Changing Face of the Diaconate in a Changing World' ('How do Deacons respond to ecological, economic, cultural and social crises in the world today?') The purpose is to study and respond to section 19 of Holy Father's recent Encyclical 'Laudato Si' so as to fulfill our diaconate mission.

Section 19 of the Encyclical stated: 'We see increasing sensitivity to the environment and the need to protect nature, along with a growing concern, both genuine and distressing, for what is happening to our planet. Let us review, however cursorily, those questions which are troubling us today and which we can no longer sweep under the carpet. Our goal is not to amass information or to satisfy curiosity, but rather to become painfully aware, to dare to turn what is happening to the world into our own personal suffering and thus to discover what each of us can do about it.'

Unfortunately, the Symposium is now cancelled due to the sad departure of IDC Secretary Mr. Stephens because of cancer as well as the ongoing epidemic.

34. We continued to promote the global interchange of Chinese permanent deacons. Following the '1st International Conference for Chinese Permanent Deacons' in Hong Kong in 2013, we have attended the 2nd conference in Toronto held in 2018. Currently we are planning to convene the '3rd International Conference for Chinese Permanent Deacons' scheduled to be

held in Hong Kong in November 2023. The preparatory committee has been set up by the Commission, with Rev. Deacon Edwin Ng as co-ordinator, assisted by Rev. Christopher Chor and Mr. Simon Li.

Topical studies

35. The Commission has designated the 4th Sunday afternoon of every month as the gathering day for the Deacon Group (including deacons, candidates and their wives). For each gathering, the schedule would include topical study, bible reading, experience sharing, discussion of current affairs, announcement of diocese events, ways to strengthen multi-dimensional understanding of the diaconate ministry, team building, and ended by evening prayer. For this year, most sessions are conducted through video conferencing due to the epidemic.

Date Sharing by deacons/candidates 26.1 holiday 23.2 holiday 22.3 Spirituality practice during epidemic (video) 26.4 Arrangements and introspection during the (video) epidemic 24.5 Resumption of mass-logistics and introspection (video) 28.6 Evangelization and Catechumen Pre-marriage enquiry and REFOCCUS (Relationship Enrichment to Facilitate Open Couple Communication, Understanding and Study) Family life during the epidemic 26.7 Parish pastoral work and introspection of life (video) during the epidemic

August holiday 27.9 Personal feeling and reflection on Cardinal (video) 36. Tong's letter 25.10 Briefing on HK Catholic Marriage Advisory (video) Council and services of Caritas 22.11 Problems confronted during pastoral work (video) 27.12 Holiday - 36. In order to enable our deacons and candidates to have more understanding of the Church in China, the Commission has invited Dr. Anthony Ng to give a

video briefing on 12 June to talk about the latest situation.

Continuing formation

37. As stipulated in chapter 4 of the ‘Directory for the Ministry and Life of Permanent Deacons’, a system for continuing formation would be established to encourage deacons to attend professional training events for a total cumulative period of 25 hours covering the following areas:

(i) to upgrade leadership capacity: encourage permanent deacons to attend practical pastoral programme, courses on theology and philosophy, personal growth and development. These would be useful to upgrade their ability in parish administration and resource management, enhance personal spirituality formation, and encourage commitment to the church; and

(ii) to improve effectiveness of pastoral work: motivate permanent deacons to attend spirituality formation to reinforce personal pursuit, communicate and liaise with overseas deacon communities and related religious organizations to broaden their scope, improve their ability to cultivate and nurture the laity, so as to better serve the church and society.

38. Deacons must keep proper record of tasks performed in the Log Diary. The information would be submitted to the Director of Formation for confirmation and record keeping as required under para 8.1.

Retreat

39. During the year, the Spirituality Formation Group has convened the following formation events and retreats:

31 May - 2 June Mt. Davis Canossian retreat for deacons and candidates Honeyville Retreat House 29 June Franciscan Missionaries of retreat for wives of deacons, Mary candidates and aspirants 3-5 July Mt. Davis Canossian annual retreat for deacons Honeyville Retreat House

21 July St Peter's Church (The thanks giving for deacon couples Sailors Home ) romantic day for deacon couples Plato Café & Bistro (Jordon) 2 September-11 Our Lady of China Church aspirants and wives of deacon November group (spirituality programme) 5-7 October Good Hope School Retest retreat for vocation Houses discernment for aspirants

39.1 Continue to assist the Group for guidance in spiritual formation, please refer to paras 11 and 25.

Further training

40. The Commission has assigned every Monday as the learning day with short courses for deacons, candidates and aspirants. These courses are meant to enhance understanding of ecclesiastical social teachings, ministries of church and parish pastoralization to help deacons to deliver their duties. For this year, the subjects are specially designed to cover the practical matters and pragmatic issues in the diaconate ministry. Part of the courses are open to their wives and aspirants.

日期主題內容講者 6,13,20 January Psychological Understanding Dr. Ip Yan Ming wellbeing depression February-April Class suspended due to epidemic 25 May Compendium of Introduction of Dr Lam Wing 1,8,15 June the Social Doctrine Compendium of the Kwan, Anselm of the Church Social Doctrine of the Church Compatibility of benevolence and righteousness July-August Summer break 7,14 September Introduction on Introduction of pastoral Rev. Joseph Chan (video) Pastoralization theology Wing Chiu counselling 21,28 September Hospital ministry Rev. Deacon 5 October Anthony Sin

Diocesan 41. Commission for Hospital Pastoral Care Ms. Ng Yin Fong Ms. Yuen Siu Mai 12,19 October Prison ministry Rev. Deacon Edwin Ng 2 November Smart tips for home VG Dominic Chan visit 9,16 November Labour ministry Catholic Commission for Labour Affairs Ms. Lee Ching Man, Dorothy Ms. But Ngan Ping 1 November Youth ministry Rev. Joseph Chan Wing Chiu

30 November Service for the Rev. Deacon 7 December(video) grassroot Stephen Kwok Rev. Francis Tam 14 December(video) Bereavement service Mr. Chan Wai Yip 21 December(video) Rev. Deacon Charles Chu The Committee is mindful that in conducting liturgical and sacramental proceedings, we should adopt and follow the rules and procedures prescribed by the Church for training and compliance. In addition, the Commission also enhanced the training for pastoral service of deacons, with more emphasis on strengthening their awareness, incorporation of psychological wellbeing and in-depth examination of specific topics.

Publicity and promotion activities

42. Individual deacons and candidates would get in touch, on personal basis, with the laity and their friends interested in knowing more about the diaconate ministry. We have also contacted the Holy Seminary to conduct regular publicity events for students attending theology class. Opportunity is also taken to keep local parishes informed whenever events such as deacon ordination, ceremonies for acceptance, ministry for lector and

acolyte are held, in order to promote the public awareness and interests in such calling. In addition, as stated in para 21, a book containing articles contributed by deacons would be published to promote the work of deacons.

Office for Permanent Deacons and the Commission

43. In order to ensure closer contact amongst deacons, a premises converted from 2 classrooms located in St. Jude’s Primary School, was granted by the Diocese a decade ago as the physical venue for holding meetings and training sessions. The premises was named the ‘Deacons’ Pavilion’. The deacon gathering was held monthly on every 4th Sunday afternoon at the ’Pavilion’. The intention is to foster team spirit and a sense of belonging, through bible study, reading of lectio divina, sharing of experience of pastoral work, homily practice, etc. (see para 36 for details). Subsequently, a new venue, located at Room 697 in the Diocese Centre, was allocated and designated as the new ‘Deacons’ Pavilion’, while the previous one was handed back on June 2012 to help address the shortage of space for pastoral ministry in St Jude’s Church. The new premises is more spacious and equipped with comprehensive facilities for office and meeting purposes, as well a training and resource centre. It is also open up for activities, formation, meeting and conferences for deacon related organizations. On 28.7.2013, our Director of Formation VG Dominic Chan officially baptized this premises as the 'Office for Permanent Deacons’.

44. Schools are undoubtedly important areas for evangelization and preaching of the good news. As all deacons are trained in theology, Catechism of Catholic Church and ecclesiastical Social Teachings, they are well qualified and equipped to promote such work, so as to support the evangelization of parishes and pastoral work of schools. The following range of activities have been initiated:

 set up district catechist group (class for 2019-2020). 29 staff members joined and became catechists after the ceremony of acceptance held on 29.10.2020.  conduct religious ceremonies and spirituality programmes for schools.

45. Permanent deacons are engaged in pre-marriage formation programmes for

the Hong Kong Caritas in their capacity as clergyman. They also serve as tutors for religious related domains.

46. All permanent deacons have a rich life of religious faith, thus able to assist married couples in their spiritual pursuit. The key areas in response to pastoral work include love and care in marriage, family and life, as well as how best to learn and live a life to realize the perfection enshrined in the Pope’s ‘Amoris Laetitia’ (Joy of Love).

47. Our permanent deacons participate actively in clerical events. They conduct eucharist blessing for the monthly clergy review meetings, join the religious ceremonies for parish bereavement groups during Ching Ming and Chung Yeung festivals to pay tribute to our ancestors.

48. Rev Deacon Rev. Deacon William Li was invited to take part in the sharing session during the monthly retreat of clergymen about his encounter with God and personal spiritual experience.

49. Ever since the 1st International Conference for Chinese Permanent Deacons held in Hong Kong in 2013, our deacons have maintained close contacts with overseas Chinese brother deacons through emails and Facebook for experience sharing. Also details related to our Commission, activities and information are all uploaded onto our website (http://deacon.catholic.org.hk) while information about International Chinese Permanent Deacons are available through the Facebook internal group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/world.pd.exchange.2013/ ） and the new Facebook open group（ https://www.facebook.com/pdhkc/）. Whenever we have Chinese deacons visiting or stopover in HK, we would invite them to join our gathering so as to foster a greater sense of brotherhood.

Work Programme in 2021

50. For 2021, the major tasks of the Commission would be focussed on the following: Promote better understanding of deacon ministry (see paras 22 and 42) Formulate formation programme to train up deacons to address issues

of our times and needs of the community (see para 24) Initiate preparation work for the 3rd International Conference for Chinese Permanent Deacons to be held in Hong Kong in 2013 (see para 34) Strengthen formation for services in parish and improve awareness in the scope of charity work (see para 41)

Obituary

51. Our beloved Rev. Deacon Joseph Chow has rested in peace on 30 December 2020. He has dedicated his 16 years of deacon service in honouring the Lord and saving many souls. In truly living out the command of 'what I preach', he has endeavored to initiate evangelism of staff in school, set up student groups of 'Young Pioneers of Christ', sow the seeds of evangelization, and participate in pre-marriage counseling programmes, visit grassroot families to share the peace of Jesus, walk with the worker, comfort those brothers in prison who have gone astray, and ease the pain of families of the deceased. In recent years, despite the severe pain and suffering due to his illness, he still tried to help in the deacon formation training with a joyful heart when health conditions permit. He maintained a momentum of continuous learning, with reflection on the past and acquiring the new. He always joined the monthly deacon meeting, in an effort to promote communion and unity as well as sharing experience with his fellow brothers. Rev. Deacon Chow has set a role model as a faithful servant for us to follow his footsteps. May he reunite with his beloved wife in heaven. May he also join our departed deacons and all our saints above, in blessing and taking care of the development of permanent deacons in Hong Kong.

Review

52. Looking back, 2020 is really a turbulent year full of problems, expectations, yet also great gratitude. The ongoing epidemic affects the pace of all our life. Although confronted with strict social distancing requirements and limited opportunity for gathering, the footprints of our deacons go far and deep throughout the community in delivering pastoral and charity services. They walked together with the underprivileged to establish caring groups. Notwithstanding all the difficulties, the Commission has still maintained all its formation, promotion, selection, and planning schedule as usual. So let us 'Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.' (Romans 12:12)

Vote of Thanks

53. The Commission would like to thank the Diocese, and all clerical members, spiritual advisors and tutors, members, religious organizations for their contribution in the formation, planning, guidance and participation in various aspects which enable our work relating to permanent deacon to be smoothly carried out and our witness for evangelization be fulfilled. We are also very grateful to all our deacons, candidates, aspirants and their families, who work together with dedication to preach the gospel and serve with benevolence, to deliver the tasks of the Commission with dedication and commitment. May our Lord bless you all and reward you with plentiful.

天主教香港教區終身執事委員會 2021 年 1 月 31 日

Hong Kong Catholic Diocese Diocesan Commission for the Permanent Diaconate 31 January 20

Appendix 1: Parish Services and Charity Ministry Undertaken by Permanent Deacons and Candidates 2019 Appendix 2: Prayer for Permanent Deacons Appendix 3: Feature Articles on Permanent Deacons 'Let's Go With The Deacon To Spread The Good News' Appendix 4: Photo Gallery - Moments of Recollection

Appendix 1 Parish Services and Charity Ministry Undertaken by Permanent Deacons and Candidates 2020

Permanent Parish Social Services Diocesan Organizations Deacons Edwin Ng Visitation Chapel Prison ministry Diocesan Commission for the Permanent Diaconate

Peter Mary Help of Hospital ministry Catholic Boys Scout Association (spiritual Leung Christians Church tutor) Francis Rosary Church Liaison of religions Diocesan Commission for Inter-religious Fung Dialogue Diocesan Fund-Raising Commission for Church Building and Development William Li Our Lady of Prison ministry Lourdes Church Bosco St Stephen’s Teaching Wong Church philosophy in Holy Seminary Stephen Mother of Christ Hospital and Diocesan Commission for Hospital Pastoral Kwok Church community Care pastoral ministry Nester St Margaret Ministry for port Diocesan Commission for Pastoral Care to Kwan Mary’s Church and seamen the Disabled Paul Siu St Andrew’s Bereavement Church ministry Faustus Star of The Sea Services for Caritas Diocesan Building and Development Lam Church and school ministry Commission Diocesan Liturgy Commission Diocesan Working Committee for "Following Thy Way" Andrew Resurrection Services for Caritas Diocesan Committee for Celebration of Lent Au Church and school ministry (Chairman) Diocesan Sacred Music Commission Assistant of Caritas Education Department Catholic Education Development Committee Committee on the Professional Development of Religious Education Teachers in HK Catholic Schools Julian Ip Holy Redeemer Hospital and prison Diocesan Building and Development Church ministry Commission Diocesan Commission for Inter-religious Dialogue Diocesan Board of Catholic Cemeteries Louis St Jude’s Church 婚姻牧民 Diocesan Pastoral Commission for Marriage Wong and the Family (Chairman) Marriage and Diocesan Pastoral Council family ministry Charles St Teresa’s Church Hospital and prison Diocesan Ecumenical Commission Chu ministry Peter SS Cosmas and School and prison Diocesan Committee for Celebration of Lent Wong Damian Church ministry (Chairman)

Catholic Education Development Committee Alexander St Jerome’s Administrative Assistant to Kwok Church duties of Diocesan Procurator of Diocesan Procuration Procuration Anthony Our Lady of Communication HK Catholic Commission for Labour Affairs Sin Mount Carmel and prison ministry Diocesan Liturgy Commission Church Justice and Peace Commission of the HK Catholic Diocese Simon Cathedral of the Marriage and Diocesan Vocation Commission Tam Immaculate elderly ministry Commission for the Health Care of the Clergy Conception and Religious Diocesan Pastoral Commission for Marriage and the Family John Lam Visitation Chapel Airport ministry Diocesan Ecumenical Commission

Simon Holy Cross Church Marriage and Diocesan Pastoral Commission for Marriage Chan hospital ministry and the Family Joseph Our Lady of China Hospital and prison Lau Church ministry Victor Lee Cathedral of the Hospital ministry Diocesan Commission for Hospital Pastoral Immaculate Care Conception

Retired Deacons Peter Lo Peter Lo Joseph Yung Francis Cheung Bernard Tang

Candidates Parish Social Services Diocesan Organizations

Francis Tang St. John the Baptist Labour ministry Justice and Peace Commission of Parish the HK Catholic Diocese Matthias St Jude's Church Prison ministry Diocesan Committee for Yeung Celebration of Lent

Johnny Our Lady of the Wong Rosary Church Thomas Visitation Chapel Wong Gordon Lau St Lawrence’s Church Diocesan Pastoral Council Diocesan Pastoral Commission for Marriage and the Family Paul Lui St Mary’s Church Frederick St Francis of Assisi Diocesan Committee for Allocation Chan Church of Donation during Lent Gamaliel Cathedral of the Cheng Immaculate Conception Paul Wat Mother of Good Counsel Church Thomas Lam St Thomas the Apostle Diocesan Pastoral Council Church Augustine Our Lady of Mount Leung Carmel Church

James Sin St Thomas the Apostle Church Stephen Yau St Teresa’s Church John Siu St Francis of Assis Diocesan Pastoral Council Church Joseph Ng Holy Cross Church

Francis Mok St Lawrence’s Church Diocesan Commission for the Health Care of the Clergy and Religious Vincent Choi St John The Baptist Church

Departed deacons Date of ordination Departure date

Francis Wong 13.1.2001 29.9.2008 Joseph Sung 13.12.2003 26.8.2014 Karl Tsang 5.7.1997 21.4.2016 Joseph Chow 2.10.2004 30.12.2020

Appendix 2

Prayer for Permanent Deacons

Almighty and Eternal God, You have chosen our Permanent Deacons to assist the Bishop and their community of priests to evangelize, to participate in Christ’s sacrifice and to foster love and care through their ministries. May You send the Holy Spirit upon them so they can fulfill their mission loyally, particularly in preaching what they believe, to teach what they believe, and to live in the way they teach.

O Lord, may they possess all the virtues as in the Gospels, to love without fear, to care for the deprived, to live with honour, to preserve with simplicity and to cooperate with obedience.

May they be totally loyal to the Church, to witness their faith with a pure heart, to be a fervent follower of the Son of God in this temporal life, and to live and reign with you in the day to come. We ask these in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Appendix 3 Feature Articles on Permanent Deacons

The Origin and Development of Permanent Deacons in the First Millennium

The Revival of The Ministry of Permanent Deacons

Deacons Are Not Conferred as Priests But for Services

History of the Revival of Permanent Deacon in the HK Diocese

Vocation of Permanent Deacons: the Companionship of the Priest and Discernment of Vocation

Vocation of Permanent Deacons: Objective Criteria for Discerning Vocation

The Process of Spirituality Formation for Permanent Deacons

Formation for Wives of Permanent Deacons

The Spiritual Formation of Permanent Deacons

The First the Three Duties of Permanent Deacons: Service for Duties of Letio Devina and Preaching

The Second of the Three Duties of Permanent Deacons: Altar Service and Sanctification

The Third of The Three Duties of Permanent Deacons: Service for Charity/Management (King) Duties

Exchanges and Future Prospects of Permanent Deacons

「'Let's Go With The Deacon To Spread The Good News' - Experience Sharing by Deacons

Ministry for Seamen - Rev. Deacon Nester Kwan

Ministry for Airport - Rev. Deacon John Lam

Ministry for Labour - Rev. Deacon Anthony Sin

Ministry for Hospital - Rev. Deacon Charles Chu

Ministry for School - Rev. Deacon Andrew Au

Ministry for Marriage and Family - Rev. Deacon Louis Wong

Ministry for Prison (Part 1) - Rev. Deacon Edwin Ng

Ministry for Prison (Part 2) - Rev. Deacon Edwin Ng

Appendix 4 Photo Gallery - Moments of Recollection

Diocesan Commission for Permanent Diaconate - Brain Storming Session

IDC Video Conference

Deacon Monthly Meeting by ZOOM

Deacon Retreat Session

Visit and Distribution of Hygiene Items to Grassroot Families by VG

Charity Services by Deacons during the Epidemic: Visit and Distribution of Hygiene Items by VG and Deacons to the Needy Visit of Second Hand Stall setup by Rev. John Wotherspoon in Temple Street, Kowloon

Charity Services by Deacons during the Epidemic: Visit and Distribution of Hygiene Items to the Grassroot Members

Monday Learning Day - Psychological Wellbeing Understanding Depression Group Photo of Dr. Ip Yan Ming and participants

Monday Learning Day - Social Teaching Group Photo of Dr Lam Wing Kwan, Anselm and participants

Monday Learning Day - Hospital Ministry Diocesan Commission for Hospital Pastoral Care Group Photo of Ms. Ng Yin Fong and participants

Monday Learning Day - Hospital Ministry Diocesan Commission for Hospital Pastoral Care Group Photo of Ms. Yuen Siu Mai and participants

Monday Learning Day - Prison Ministry Group Photo of Rev. Deacon Edwin Ng and participants

Monday Learning Day - Smart Tips for Home Visits Group Photo of VG and participants

Monday Learning Day - Labour Ministry Catholic Commission for Labour Affairs Group Photo of Rev. Deacon Anthony Sin, Ms. Lee Ching Man, Dorothy and participants

Monday Learning Day - Labour Ministry Catholic Commission for Labour Affairs Group Photo of Ms. Lee Ching Man, Dorothy, Ms. But Ngan Ping and participants

Monday Learning Day - Youth Ministry Group Photo of Rev. Joseph Chan Wing Chiu and participants

Monday Learning Day - Grassroot Ministry Group Photo of Rev. Deacon Stephen Kwok and participants