The Nature and Ministry of the Diaconate: History, Roles, and Promises

Saint Stephen - Stephen was the very first deacon of the church and holds the distinction of being the first martyr of the entire church. - He was killed by stoning for teaching, preaching, and spreading the Gospel. - In artistic depictions, Stephen is identified by the presence of people nearby holding stones or being in the process of killing him. - The church celebrates his feast day on December 26th, the day after Christmas, to signify that after celebrating the birth of Jesus, the church immediately honors the first person to die for their belief in him.
Saint Lawrence - Lawrence was a deacon in the early church during the first few centuries when the Roman authorities were actively persecuting Christians. - He was executed by being grilled alive over an open fire. - According to historical accounts or tradition, he displayed incredible bravery during his murder, reportedly telling his executioners, "This side's done. You can turn me over now." - Because of the nature of his martyrdom, he is recognized as the patron saint of grill masters.

Acts 6 and the Early Church - The office of deacon was originally created to handle works of charity, such as caring for widows and the poor, so that the apostles could focus on preaching.
The Diminishment of the Role - Over several centuries, the distinct role of the deacon diminished as the number of priests increased. - Eventually, the diaconate became merely a "step on the road" to becoming a priest (the transitional diaconate). - By the 1400s, specialized deacons were non-existent; every deacon seen during that era was a man on his way to the priesthood.
The Second Vatican Council (1960s) - In the 1960s, the Second Vatican Council deemed it necessary to restore the permanent office of the deacon. - This restoration occurred approximately 50 to 60 years ago, making it a relatively recent change in the long history of the church.
Types of Deacons Today - Permanent Deacon: Men who are ordained solely to the diaconate and do not intend to become priests. They may be married and hold secular jobs. - Transitional Deacon: Men who are ordained to the diaconate usually one year before their ordination to the priesthood. All priests and bishops remain deacons even after their higher ordinations.

The Bridge Metaphor - Priests are often tied to the parish and specific religious duties, lacking the ability to go out into the secular world as easily. - Deacons act as a bridge, bringing the church into secular environments where priests may not be present.
Secular Integration - Unlike priests like Father Joe, who works only as a priest, deacons often have secular careers and family obligations. - Examples of secular jobs held by deacons include: - History and government teacher at a public school. - Research and development worker for 3M (making items like tape and envelopes). - Factory manager. - Owner and operator of a drive-in movie theater.
Relatability and Counseling - Deacons can relate to the laypeople in the parish because they share the same life experiences: paying bills, cutting grass, doing dishes, and raising children. - This relatability makes people feel comfortable seeking counsel from a deacon when they struggle with worldly issues (e.g., being a husband or father).

Etymology - The word "deacon" is derived from a Greek word meaning "servant."
1. Ministry of the Word - Deacons are tasked with teaching, preaching, and proclaiming the Gospel. - In the context of the Mass, the deacon has the primary role of reading the Gospel. This remains true even if a bishop or the Pope is presiding; it is the deacon’s specific job to proclaim the Word.
2. Ministry of Liturgy (Sacraments/Altar) - Deacons assist at the altar, set up the altar, invite the congregation to the sign of peace, and dismiss the congregation at the end of Mass. - Baptism: Both priests and deacons can baptize. Deacon Mark has baptized 27 children in his first two years of ministry. - Marriage: Deacons can witness sacramental marriages that do not involve a Mass. In a Catholic wedding involving a Mass/Communion, a priest is required. - Funerals: Deacons lead funeral services and burials. During his first two years, Deacon Mark participated in the funerals of five close family members: a cousin, an uncle, an aunt, his godfather, and his father-in-law.
3. Ministry of Charity - This is the primary reason the diaconate was created 2,000 years ago. - Deacons are called to care for the poor, the sick, prisoners, and those on the margins. - Practical applications include operating food pantries (e.g., specific campus ministry pantries for Africa) and providing spiritual guidance to students in crisis.

Sacramental Limitations - Priests are ordained to bring specific sacraments that deacons cannot, such as consecrating the Eucharist and hearing confessions for the absolution of sins.
Governance - Priests (Pastors) are the chief shepherds of a parish community, while deacons are focused on service and shepherding in the secular world.
Lifestyle - Priests take a vow of celibacy and do not marry. Deacons are permitted to be married before they are ordained.

Obedience to the Bishop - Deacons must obey the bishop and his successors. While this does not usually mean the bishop will arbitrarily uproot a deacon's family or job, the deacon must follow assignments to specific parishes or ministries.
Liturgy of the Hours - Deacons promise to pray two specific "hours" of the church's daily prayer cycle: Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer. Priests are required to pray four hours daily.
Marital Chastity and Celibacy - Deacons who are married at the time of ordination do not take a vow of celibacy, but rather a promise of marital chastity. - The Widower Rule: If a deacon's wife dies, he promises to remain celibate for the rest of his life and cannot remarry. This is a significant point of discernment during the five-plus years of formation.
Service and Holiness - Deacons promise to strive for a life of holiness and dedicated service to the church community.

Class of 2024: Six men were ordained together as classmates after five years of intense study and discernment.
Family Impact: The wives and families of the candidates become very close during the long formation process.