Deacon Pat McDonald of St. Patrick in Brighton celebrated 50 years as a deacon on June 24, making him the longest-serving permanent deacon in U.S. history. In addition to serving in the diaconate for 50 years, Deacon Pat and his wife, Peggy, raised four sons and four daughters. Deacon Pat has also served as a practicing attorney for more than 50 years. At the celebration marking his anniversary on June 19, Deacon Pat said, “To my fellow deacons, preachers, teachers, counselors and consolers, you walk according to the truth, an extension of Christ, the servant. In proclaiming the Gospel, we’re called to believe what we read, teach what we believe and live by what we teach.”