Frequently
Asked Questions About the Diaconate
What is the ministry of the
deacon?
The ministry of a deacon is similar to but
different from that of a priest or bishop. A deacon is
ordained and missioned by Christ through the bishop to
minister to the needy and the poor and to be a minister of
Word and Sacrament, working in obedience to his bishop and in
close fraternal cooperation with priests. While all
Christians are called to serve others, the deacon is an
official sign of this service and he solemnly promises to be
a living example of such service for others.
Is a deacon ordained?
Yes. Through Holy Orders, the deacon acquires a
special relationship to the bishop. Though surely "his
own man" - by reason of his place in the hierarchy -
tradition refers to him as "the bishop's man ... the
bishop's ears and eyes." His ministry of charity, word,
and sacrament enables the Church to be a credible sign of the
Servant Christ in the world.
What is the difference between a
"transitional" deacon and a "permanent"
deacon?
Men who are to be ordained priests are ordained
deacons prior to priesthood. These men are sometimes referred
to as "transitional" deacons, because they are in
the process of transition into priesthood. Men who are
ordained deacons and remain in that state are sometimes
referred to as "permanent" deacons. Both
transitional and permanent deacons share in the Order of
Deacon.
Can deacons be married?
Married men can become deacons. Single men who are
ordained deacons take a promise of celibacy, similar to the
priest's promise of celibacy, and may not marry once they are
ordained. If married, the deacon candidate should be in a
stable marriage for a number or years and have the expressed
consent and support of his wife. His children should also be
of such an age and adjustment as not to be unduly affected by
their father's pursuit of a life that involves special
apostolic commitments.
What is the difference between a
deacon and a priest?
This is a complex question and certainly deserves
more than a short answer. But in short, the priest models his
life after Christ the Priest; the deacon models his life
after Christ the Deacon. Each shares uniquely in the ministry
of Christ to His people, the Church. Sacramentally, a deacon
is an ordinary minister of Baptism, and can serve as the
official witness to marriage. A deacon may also read the
Gospel and preach at Mass. Deacons are also ordinary ministers of
communion. Only a priest can celebrate Mass,
offer absolution of sins in the Sacrament of Penance, and
Anoint the Sick.
Can you tell me more about
what a deacon does?
The deacon reaches out to the poor, the sick, the
elderly, the divorced, the imprisoned and others in order to
first address their human needs. He does charitable,
administrative and welfare work in the name of the Church. He
organizes, leads and supports lay ministry. He assists in
marriage and baptismal preparation as well as being involved
in social ministries at every level.
Having thus been identified in the role of
servant, he may then become more effectively a liturgical
minister to proclaim the Gospel and preach, to assist at the
Eucharist, celebrate Eucharistic devotions, to baptize and
witness marriages, to administer sacramentals and to bury the
dead.
What are the requirements to
become a deacon?
The deacon is called personally and ecclesially to
serve after the manner of Jesus. He is first and foremost a
Christian man in his usual employment and lifestyle, trained
and formed by additional study and prayer for a special
ministry to the community as an ordained minister. Each
diocesan diaconate office sets its own criteria for suitable
deacon candidates. Here are some of the more common
considerations:
- Age: At least thirty-five at time of
ordination.
- Status: A Roman Catholic, married or single,
of sound moral character, mature faith and possessing
a sense of vocation to service.
- Family: If married, a partner in a stable
marriage for several years, who has the expressed
consent and support of his wife, and whose children
are of such an age and adjustment as not to be unduly
affected by their father's pursuit of a life that
involves special apostolic commitments.
- Natural Gifts: Demonstrates the basic
potential to develop the ministerial skills of
relating to people, speaking well, and being a
spiritual leader.
- Spirituality: A man of prayer willing to make
personal sacrifices to be a consecrated sign of God's
love for others in his vocation to serve.
- Education: At least two years of college or
its academic equivalent.
- Employment: A person who reflects prior
stability in career or work.
- Church / Community Involvement: A man living
the Christian life who has demonstrated active
service, apostolic involvement, and leadership among
the People of God.
What is some of the history of
the restored diaconate?
The Order of Deacons was instituted by the
Apostles. It was restored as a permanent and public ministry
in the Roman Church as a result of a decision made by the
bishops at the Second Vatican Council. The restoration of the
permanent diaconate was authorized in the United States in
1968.
The aims of the diaconate are to enrich and
strengthen the works of service being performed by the
Church, to enlist a new group of devout and competent married
and single men in the active ministry of the Church, and to
aid in extending needed charitable and liturgical service to
the faithful. Wives of deacons assist in many of these areas.
The number of deacons in the United States has
continued to grow steadily. There are more than 10,000
permanent deacons ministering in more than 140 (arch)dioceses
in the United States.
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