I am a retired (yet, still very active) Deacon Administrator in the Diocese of Syracuse, New York. For over a decade, I have been ministering to Residents in the minimum security facilility in the NYS Office of Persons with Developmental Disabilities. I continue my Faith Formation & Evangelization activities through original Bible Studies and on-line Book Studies.The challenge of being present as “Retired - Active” in the Catholic parishes of our region includes assisting where the Churches’ need calls me. I continue to assist local parishes with assistance at Mass, preaching and adult faith formation and RCIA. Area Funeral Homes call on me regularly for funerals and graveside services. For the upcoming Advent season I hope to offer another adult faith formation opportunity through virtual Book & Bible Study groups. My formation offering earlier this year, a Book & Bible Study entitled “A Decade of Grace” explored God’s Mercy in our lives and filled the sails of HOPE in our journey as pilgrims along the way. Referencing the Year of Mercy a decade ago and looking forward to the Year of Hope in 2025, the Book Study brought together active Christians in our area. This past year I also served as Retreat Master for a Men’s Recovery Retreat in Ohio… a truly inspiring weekend of faith and hope.My participation on both the Deacon Selection Committee for the Diocese, and the Diocese of Syracuse Diaconal Counsel, continues to provide diocesan-wide opportunities to engage in the growth of our deacon community. The Diaconate is alive and thriving in the Diocese of Syracuse, supporting our priests, parishioners and faith-based roles outside of the boundaries of the local church walls.Ministry, family and service are at the core of my retired life: spending time with our four grandsons, assisingt the kids with their myriad home projects, leading Bible studies, preaching, blogging and fulfilling my prison ministry. In addition, I am available as a consultant to those diocese who are training Permanent Deacons as Parish Administrators. It’s a challenging, yet fulfilling ministry for our deacons.In 2025, I plan to also spend as much time traveling as possible in my Winnebago Hike, off—road towable trailer to explore beyond the confines of Upstate NY, and continue supporting our family.Dc. Tim McNerney