Permanent Diaconate

'The service of deacons in the Church is documented from apostolic times. A strong tradition, attested already by Saint Ireneus and influencing the liturgy of ordination, sees the origin of the diaconate in the institution of the seven mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles (6:1-6).  Saint Ignatius of Antioch considers the ministry of deacons as nothing other than "the ministry of Jesus Christ, who was with the Father before time began and who appeared at the end of time." They are not deacons of food and drink but ministers of the Church of God.'

The permanent Diaconate is an important enrichment for the mission of the Church. Since the munera proper to deacons are necessary to the Church's life, it is both convenient and useful that men who are called to a truly diaconal ministry in the Church, whether liturgical or pastoral, charitable or social, "be strengthened by the imposition of hands, which has come down from the Apostles, and more closely united to the altar so as to exercise their ministry more fruitfully through the sacramental grace of the diaconate"' (Directory for the Ministry and Life of Permanent Deacons).

Image: Saint Francis, Deacon

A deacon is a minister of God ordained unto a ministry of service... Strengthened by sacramental grace, in communion with the bishop and his group of priests, a deacon serves in the diaconate of the liturgy, of the word, and of charity to the people of God. It is the duty of a deacon, assigned by competent authority, to administer baptism solemnly, to be custodian and dispenser of the Eucharist, to assist at and bless marriages in the name of the Church, to bring Viaticum to the dying, to read the Sacred Scripture to the faithful, to instruct and exhort the people, to preside over the worship and prayer of the faithful, to administer sacramentals, to officiate at funeral and burial services. Dedicated to duties of charity and of administration, let deacons be mindful of the admonition of Blessed Polycarp: "Be merciful, diligent, walking according to the truth of the Lord, who became the servant of all"' (Lumen Gentium §29).

Qualifications for Deacons include:

• Practicing Roman Catholic
• Healthy man, 35-60 years of age
• Single or in a valid canonical marriage with a supportive wife willing to participate in the ministry
• Experience in pastoral ministry
• A good prayer life
• A good reputation
• Ability to follow university-level courses
• Ability to work collaboratively
• Openness to growth

Diaconal formation is a discernment process, for the Church and the deacon candidate to recognize God's call.  With the support of his wife and family, his parish, diocese, and spiritual director, the candidate will discover the truth of his calling to the Diaconate.

The permanent diaconate formation process includes:

• online and classroom courses, study sessions, and group discussions
• weekend gatherings to facilitate diaconate community-building and to share the journey in faith
• theological formation with study of Scripture, the Spiritual Life, faith and morals, liturgy, and Church history
• human formation
• pastoral formation, for preaching, ministry, sacramental rituals, and Canon Law
• spiritual formation, in prayerful relationship with God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, with Marian devotion, to grow in the Christian life in Faith, Hope, and Charity.