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ABOUT DEACONS

What is a Deacon?

Deacon comes from the Greek word “diakonia,” meaning “service.” This is exactly what deacons are: servants of the church, the People of God. Deacons are first mentioned in the New Testament. In Chapter 6 of the Book of Acts, the community chose seven Spirit-filled wise and reputable men. Peter himself laid hands on them, and they went out into the community to serve the needs of widows and orphans.

For the next 800 years, deacons served the church in many capacities: as administrators, in the liturgy, and as assistants to the bishops. In the middle ages, deacons lost their original character of servant and became merely a stepping stone to the priesthood. Vatican II restored deacons to their former status - the Permanent Diaconate was created.

Permanent deacons share in the Sacrament of Holy Orders, just as priests and bishops do, and they receive a similar seminary training. However, they are not a "mini-priest," but their own distinct order. Most permanent deacons are married, most are full-time business or professional workers. They bring a unique focus to their ministry in the Church and give witness to Christ in the world outside the Church.

Deacons are called to serve the Church in three ministries. In the ministry of the Word, Deacons read the Gospel at Mass and preach. In the ministry of liturgy, they assist the priest at the Eucharist and preside at communion services, weddings and baptisms. However, it is to a ministry in works of charity and justice that deacon is primarily called. In addition to their parish assignment, deacons usually have a community outreach assignment. They minister in prisons and shelters, act as advocates for social justice, serve in legal-aid centers – to the poor and oppressed wherever they are. Indeed, it is for this reason that the deacon is present at the mass; he knows first hand the needs of the people. He places them before God in the intercessions and brings them to the altar with the gifts of bread and wine.

Permanent deacons today carry on in the tradition of the great deacons of the past. Like St. Stephen, they live the Word they preach. Like St. Lawrence, they protect the helpless, and like St. Francis of Assisi they reach out in love and service to all.

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