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Playing Santa a special ministry for one deacon

For most of the year, Deacon Dan Welter serves as chancellor of the Archdiocese of Chicago, but for a few weeks leading up to Christmas, he sheds that role and dons a red suit and white beard to play Santa at Macy’s on State and Randolph streets in downtown Chicago.
Deacon Dan Welter, chancellor of the Archdiocese of Chicago, plays Santa at Macy’s on State and Randolph streets Dec. 15. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Deacon Dan Welter, chancellor of the Archdiocese of Chicago, plays Santa at Macy’s on State and Randolph streets Dec. 15. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Deacon Dan Welter, chancellor of the Archdiocese of Chicago, playing Santa at Macy’s on State and Randolph streets, greets Evan McManus, 4, on Dec. 15. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Deacon Dan Welter, chancellor of the Archdiocese of Chicago, plays Santa at Macy’s on State and Randolph streets Dec. 15. Evan McManus 4, tells Santa what he wants for Christmas. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

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