Permanent deacons were challenged to promote family life and go out into the world, fired by the examples of Jesus and local clergy. Father Warren Savage was speaking for the 40th anniversary of the permanent diaconate in the diocese Saturday at St. Joan of Arc Parish.

The permanent diaconate, restored to the Catholic Church on Sept. 29, 1964, by the Second Vatican Council, became a reality for the Diocese of Worcester on June 24, 1978, with the ordination of 20 permanent deacons at St. Paul Cathedral.

Bishop McManus has appointed Michael J. Clark assistant superintendent of secondary schools in the Worcester Diocese. Mr. Clark, who will begin working on July 2, was recommended for the new position by David Perda, superintendent of Catholic schools. He will work directly with the principals and staffs of St. Bernard Central Catholic High School in Fitchburg and Holy Name Central Catholic Junior/Senior High School and St. Peter-Marian Central Catholic Junior/Senior High School, both in Worcester.