On June 3, 2006, in a ceremony held at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington D.C., Lou Koeniger and 15 other men were ordained as Permanent Deacons of the Catholic Church. The word "deacon" comes from a Greek word (diakonia) and means "Servant." As the first ever Permanent Deacon at St. John Francis Regis Church in Hollywood, Deacon Lou will serve the church in three areas: Word, Sacrament (Liturgy), and Charity.

As a Permanent Deacon, he will be able to proclaim the Gospel at Mass and preach the homily. He will continue to lead a weekly Bible study session, and, with his wife, Hanna, teach Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) classes.

Deacon Lou will also continue to assist in the distribution of the Eucharist, and he can now assist priests in blessing marriages, baptizing, and presiding at funerals. In effect, Deacon Lou can perform all priestly functions except for celebrating Mass, hearing confessions, and the anointing of the sick (unless no priest is available).

The most characteristic ministry of the Deacon is service to those in need. Deacon Lou will continue to work with members of the community who are in distress and are homebound.

His ordination was the final step of a five year formation program that consisted of pastoral and academic work, traveling many miles to attend classes two nights a week.

Deacon Lou Koeniger has been married to Hanna for over 40 years and has been a member of the Knights of Columbus for more than 24 years. Lou and Hanna make their home in Hollywood, Maryland. He is a Past Grand Knight of St. John’s Council and a former Knights’ District Deputy.

After serving his first mass as a Permanent Deacon on Sunday, June 4, 2006, a breakfast reception was held in Lou’s honor by the Knights of Columbus in the St. John’s School cafeteria.