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Who are deacons?
A deacon is an ordained man who has received special formation and training to serve the Church. He lives a life of service that integrates family life, the workplace, the community, and ministry. His life of service is generally rooted within his parish and extends in outreach to the community and those on the margins. His threefold ministry includes: service of the word, service of liturgy, and service of charity, justice and pastoral outreach. The first deacons began serving the church at the time of the Apostles.Deacons are members of the clergy. In the Catholic Church, "the clergy" consists of three groups of ordained ministers: bishops, priests, and deacons. While all members of the church are called to minister to others by virtue of their baptism, some Catholics are also ordained to specific forms of ministry to serve the rest of the Church.The title "deacon" comes from the Greek word diakonos, which means "servant." A deacon is ordained by the bishop into the Order of Deacons (commonly referred to as the diaconate). He is publicly and permanently configured to Christ the Servant and lives a life of service within the Church and the community. He assists the bishop and works collaboratively with the priests and laity in serving the needs of others.
What is the difference between permanent and transitional deacons?
There is only one diaconate. All priests are first ordained as deacons. For them, the diaconate is transitional as they also go on to be ordained priests. They then live their life in priestly ministry. Permanent deacons are what the name implies. They are ordained for a life-long commitment to a ministry of service as deacons.The deacon is an ordained person living a lifestyle that in some aspects is similar to the laity. He may be married and most often holds primary employment outside the church, while also living a life of service to the church. The deacon is a member of the clergy but firmly rooted in the day to day world of family life, workplace, and community.
Are deacons a new ministry in the Roman Catholic Church?
The order of deacons was present in the very early Church as the bishops ordained people to assist with the temporal needs of the church and the charitable needs of the people. These permanent deacons were involved with a variety of ministries within the life of the early church. For a number of reasons over the years, the diaconate evolved into a transitional status on the way towards priestly ordination. At Vatican II, the Church restored the permanent diaconate as an active ministry so as to return to the fullness of orders of the early Church.
How do deacons serve their church and community?
Deacons have a threefold ministry that includes service of the word, service of the liturgy, and service of charity, justice and pastoral outreach. Each deacon is expected to be involved in some aspect of these three areas of ministry. The specific roles for each deacon will vary depending upon the gifts of the deacon and the needs of his parish and community.
The ministry of the word includes such things as proclamation of the Gospel, preaching, catechesis, and evangelization.
The ministry of the liturgy includes such things as assisting at Mass, presiding at the liturgy of the word both with or without Communion, presiding at baptisms and marriages, presiding at funeral services, and presiding at Benediction and other devotional services.
The ministry of charity, justice and pastoral outreach includes such things as reaching out to those who are poor or in need, being present to those who are on the margins of society, serving those who are lonely or hurting in any way, advocating for the dignity of all people, encouraging and facilitating the service work of others.
What qualities should a person have who is interested in the diaconate?Persons interested in being considered for the diaconate should be compassionate people who enjoy serving others. They are to be strongly spiritual and prayerful individuals who love the Church and experience a strong call to follow God’s will. They must relate well with a wide variety of people and be able to collaborate with others. Good leadership and communication skills are necessary. It is also important to have good time management skills in order to integrate discernment, theological study, spiritual formation, and ministry along with family and work responsibilities.
Do you feel called to the Permanent Diaconate? Please visit the Diocesan Office of the Diaconate for more information.