Discussion about Deacons

Just today I caught a segment of a radio program on the Catholic Channel which airs on Sirius Radio. The name of the show is the Catholic Guy and its host is Lino Rulli. For a couple of months he has discussed vocation, as it relates to him, and whether he wants to pursue the seminary or the married life.

On the show I listened to today, a rerun of a show from earlier in the week, he was being encouraged by listeners to his show to have the "best of both worlds" by getting married and then just become a deacon. Lino went on to say that he did not think this was a good idea for him because if ordained he wants to celebrate the Eucharist and hear confessions, both things Deacons can't do. And he went on to say he did not think he would enjoy baptizing little babies or officiating weddings on a Saturday afternoon.

Realizing some of this is probably tongue-in-cheek, and a small part of his ongoing routine about him, I hesitate to be overly critical. However, many of the statements made by the host, even his Priest friend and some callers point out the still weak appreciation of most Catholics about the Permanent Deacon.

First and foremost, no one just picks up a phone, makes a call and becomes a Deacon. The diaconate is not something you join, like the men's club or the team of ushers at the church. The diaconate is a religious vocation; a calling. If it be God's will that you will be a Deacon, you will be a Deacon. The responsibility of those of us called to the diaconate is to hear the call, discern with some direction, inquire and determine your readiness and fitness to even apply to the diaconate office. Once you apply, after prayerful consideration, you may be selected to aspire to the diaconate. This is one full year of classroom study, spiritual direction and personal reflection before you even become a candidate. Overall, you will spend about 5 years in discernment and formation.

Second, the majority of the callers, and the host himself, seemed to believe the Deacon is a "to do list" with many functions at the local parish, in the sacristy and on the altar. While the Deacon serves as the minister of the Word and the Cup, and performs certain duties at Mass, this should be only a part, a huge part, but only a part of his ministry. I fully understand that most Catholics encounter a Deacon at Mass, see him proclaim the Gospel and administer the Sacred Blood at Communion. But if he truly is a Deacon, he is called to a ministry of service and charity; the true charisms of the order. What does this mean? Quite simply, the Deacon is the sacramental sign of Christ the servant all the time, during the week, at work, around the community and in fulfilling his ministry of charity. A Deacon without a ministry of charity is either in a diocese who does not utilize Deacons as envisioned by Vatican Council II or has become soft in his service to the People of God.

Ministry of charity looks like many things; I for one am a chaplain in a men's state prison. Many of my brother Deacons minister at food banks, soup kitchens, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, hospitals, hospice care, AIDS centers, rehabilitation centers, youth facilities, airports, ports on rivers and seas, work training programs. This is the charism of the Deacon.

In no way shape or form is the Permanent Diaconate an answer to any perceived priest shortage, or is a Deacon a mini-Priest. Many may get comfortable with becoming Father's side kick but this is not the case at all. The Deacon is answerable to his Bishop. He fulfills the wishes and request of his Bishop. While a Deacon is assigned to a parish and cooperates with his Pastor, in the end, he reports to his Bishop.

I rehash all this again as it is evident, from my experience with this Catholic Guy show, that even after nearly 40 years of restored service in America, Catholics seem to form their own opinion about the diaconate. We may share some of the blame, and to that point, we must become more vigilant in being that sign of service sacramentalized.

And one other point: this outfit called Real Catholic TV has recently done a huge diservice to the diaconate in America by pointing out two stories about a Deacon's wife and a letter received from another wife of a Deacon. The content of the reports is indeed disturbing. If in fact a wife delivered a homily and formation for the other wife, and her husband, was that weak, that is a problem. The broad brush with which the host of Real Catholic TV paints would have everyone believing that this is the norn, not the extreme exception to the rule. I have NEVER seen a Deacon's wife deliver a homily, and my formation was solid. And yes, by the way, if we hear something heretical or scandalous in formation, it is our rock solid responsibility to stand for the Church and the Truth, right there, on the spot; consequences be damned.

The restoration of the Permanent Diaconate HAS been a major reason for a return to the Catholic faith by many, HAS been a major reason that the Church is back ministering in all those places I mentioned earlier, HAS been a major reason for the growth of the Church since Vatican Council II, HAS been a major reason that the Church has ordained evidence in the work place and the greater community in general and HAS been the major reason that more Catholics than ever before understand that they too must play a role of preaching the Gospel always, and when necessary use words.

For the Permanent Deacon, it is not just about what we do; but more importantly who we are! And as I learned time and time again when in formation, ultimately; all formation is self formation.

And the gift of Holy Orders comes from God alone. Deacons would do well to recall their words of ordination: May God who has begun the good work in you bring it to fulfillment. And never forget our marching orders: Recieve the Gospel of Christ whose herald you have become. Believe what you read, teach what you believe and practice what you teach.