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A deacon friend from another diocese sent this my way; it’s part of a diocesan press release announcing the installation of a new bishop:
“It begins with a lengthy procession consisting of clergy, religious and deacons from the diocese that…could take about a half hour. The entire liturgy is estimated at about two hours.”
“Clergy, religious and deacons…”
Wait. What??!!
Insert face into palm.
I can’t imagine anyone issuing a diocesan press release saying “It begins with a lengthy procession consisting of clergy, religious and priests…”, can you?
Or: “a lengthy procession consisting of clergy, religious and bishops…”
After half a century, we need to do better. And we need to get it right.
Repeat after me:
“Deacons are clergy. Deacons are clergy. Deacons are clergy. Deacons are clergy…”
Diocesan communications offices should know this, even if others don’t. And communications professionals should (at the very least) strive for accuracy.
Especially when it comes to the Catholic Church.
Folks, if we don’t get it right, neither will anyone else.
Try harder. Please. Thank you.