Reflecting again on the Permanent Deacon

This morning I read a neat entry on the website The Deacon's Bench. It was a personal reflection of a long time Permanent Deacon as he guest blogs for America Magazine. Deacon Michael Iwanowicz was among those first classes of Permanent Deacons after the reimplementation post Vatican II. I look forward to his remaining posts.

Whether a Deacon for 34 years like Deacon Michael or not yet 2 years like yours truly the diaconate remains a bit of a mystery. Back then Deacon Michael and his cohorts faced additional challenges because of the newness of Permanent Deacons in the sanctuary and the greater community. There was much to be done to understand the concept of a married man receiving the Sacrament of Holy Orders. If interested, please follow Deacon Michael's blogs at www.america.org/blog.

For me, Ordained some 32 years later I find much confusion and misunderstanding about the Permanent Deacon. This is a subject I have blogged about before. Apparently, it is a subject I'll be blogging about off and on well into the future. Perhaps all Permanent Deacons should be allowed one weekend to preach on the ministry of the Deacon. And perhaps, we as Deacons, could do a better job in living the charism of the diaconate and sharing more freely the role we have in the hierarchy of Orders. It is very unfortunate that most people only encounter the Deacon at Mass. And it is unfortunate that way to many Deacons are seen around the parish in roles not unique to the diaconate. Many times Deacons serve on parish councils, boards, etc. and do busy work that can be done by the laity.

If we as Deacons are being faithful to our rightful ministry, the laity would encounter us serving, apron around our waist, serving the people as clearly spelled out in Acts chapter 6. The laity would see us at the hospital, nursing home, soup kitchen, homeless shelter, food bank, rehabilitation centers, prisons, juvenile facilities. Of course not everyone will be at these places so we are charged with clearly describing our ministry with emphasis on our ministry of charity. And as Permanent Deacons, with wives and children, jobs and careers, we can do much by being present in our diaconal character even at home, the workplace and the greater community at large. We must never forget when sharing our stories of ministry and doing we express with clarity that it is who we are; never just about doing.

In the last few weeks and in the week ahead my role as a Deacon has placed me squarely in some of my most challenging moments; in some cases humbling moments but in all cases graced moments. I've encountered two Deacon friends battling courageously against powerful illnesses, fully preparing my first engaged couple for their wedding, praying with and being present with a young couple who lost their twin boys during an early and unexpected delivery, sitting with and bringing communion to a dear parishioner who battles her illness with strength and faith that inspires all, going into the infirmary at the mens prison where one of our Catholic members is battling cancer in a less than ideal environment and I could go on. These moments, even those surrounded by sadness are all precious and I'm grateful to be present.

Last night I was reminded by one of these folks who I'm ministering to take time and minister to me. She asked me hows my prayer life, are you taking time with your relationship with Jesus. Honestly, I had to answer that I should be doing a better job. In an earlier post last week I copied an essay where Deacons were encouraged not to get overly hung up by the doing. It is a good reminder today to be faithful to ministry yes but be faithful to the personal spiritual dimension of being a Deacon. It is still about being in relationship with Him so we can minister to others.

So on this Labor Day, where I relax some and enjoy the company of good friends, I thank God for this calling, for the ministry of the Permanent Diaconate and remind myself and all who read this; it's not what we do; it's who we are!