>>>Today as I arrived at Most Holy Trinity to assist at the morning masses I met up with Deacon Brian Howard, a transitional Deacon, who would be preaching at two of the Masses this day. It has been my experience over the years that many Catholics do not understand the distinction between a permanent and transitional Deacon. The article I have linked to this post addresses this but it is important to note that the Catholic Church has only one diaconate. Some men, like myself, are Permanent Deacons as we desire to remain in the Order of Deacons and many of us are married, fathers and work a job. Other men, like Deacon Brian, are preparing for ordination to the Priesthood. On that journey the Church first ordains these men as Deacons, in transition to the day they become Priests.
It is rare, although not impossible, to have two Deacons assisting at a local parish Mass with one being "permanent" and the other "transitional" yet there we were today. And I trust it was another good teaching moment for those present. Enjoy the article:
Frequently Asked Questions About the Diaconate
What is the ministry of the deacon?
The ministry of a deacon is similar to but different from that of a priest or bishop. A deacon is ordained and missioned by Christ through the bishop to minister to the needy and the poor and to be a minister of Word and Sacrament, working in obedience to his bishop and in close fraternal cooperation with priests. While all Christians are called to serve others, the deacon is an official sign of this service and he solemnly promises to be a living example of such service for others.
Is a deacon ordained?
Yes. Through Holy Orders, the deacon acquires a special relationship to the bishop. Though surely "his own man" - by reason of his place in the hierarchy - tradition refers to him as "the bishop's man ... the bishop's ears and eyes." His ministry of charity, word, and sacrament enables the Church to be a credible sign of the Servant Christ in the world.
What is the difference between a "transitional" deacon and a "permanent" deacon?
Men who are to be ordained priests are ordained deacons prior to priesthood. These men are sometimes referred to as "transitional" deacons, because they are in the process of transition into priesthood. Men who are ordained deacons and remain in that state are sometimes referred to as "permanent" deacons. Both transitional and permanent deacons share in the Order of Deacon.
Can deacons be married?
Married men can become deacons. Single men who are ordained deacons take a promise of celibacy, similar to the priest's promise of celibacy, and may not marry once they are ordained. If married, the deacon candidate should be in a stable marriage for a number or years and have the expressed consent and support of his wife. His children should also be of such an age and adjustment as not to be unduly affected by their father's pursuit of a life that involves special apostolic commitments.
What is the difference between a deacon and a priest?
This is a complex question and certainly deserves more than a short answer. But in short, the priest models his life after Christ the Priest; the deacon models his life after Christ the Deacon. Each shares uniquely in the ministry of Christ to His people, the Church. Sacramentally, a deacon is an ordinary minister of Baptism, and can serve as the official witness to marriage. A deacon may also read the Gospel and preach at Mass. Deacons are also ordinary ministers of communion. Only a priest can celebrate Mass, offer absolution of sins in the Sacrament of Penance, and Anoint the Sick.
Can you tell me more about what a deacon does?
The deacon reaches out to the poor, the sick, the elderly, the divorced, the imprisoned and others in order to first address their human needs. He does charitable, administrative and welfare work in the name of the Church. He organizes, leads and supports lay ministry. He assists in marriage and baptismal preparation as well as being involved in social ministries at every level.
Having thus been identified in the role of servant, he may then become more effectively a liturgical minister to proclaim the Gospel and preach, to assist at the Eucharist, celebrate Eucharistic devotions, to baptize and witness marriages, to administer sacramentals and to bury the dead.
What are the requirements to become a deacon?
The deacon is called personally and ecclesially to serve after the manner of Jesus. He is first and foremost a Christian man in his usual employment and lifestyle, trained and formed by additional study and prayer for a special ministry to the community as an ordained minister. Each diocesan diaconate office sets its own criteria for suitable deacon candidates. Here are some of the more common considerations:
Age: At least thirty-five at time of ordination.
Status: A Roman Catholic, married or single, of sound moral character, mature faith and possessing a sense of vocation to service.
Family: If married, a partner in a stable marriage for several years, who has the expressed consent and support of his wife, and whose children are of such an age and adjustment as not to be unduly affected by their father's pursuit of a life that involves special apostolic commitments.
Natural Gifts: Demonstrates the basic potential to develop the ministerial skills of relating to people, speaking well, and being a spiritual leader.
Spirituality: A man of prayer willing to make personal sacrifices to be a consecrated sign of God's love for others in his vocation to serve.
Education: At least two years of college or its academic equivalent.
Employment: A person who reflects prior stability in career or work.
Church / Community Involvement: A man living the Christian life who has demonstrated active service, apostolic involvement, and leadership among the People of God.
What is some of the history of the restored diaconate?
The Order of Deacons was instituted by the Apostles. It was restored as a permanent and public ministry in the Roman Church as a result of a decision made by the bishops at the Second Vatican Council. The restoration of the permanent diaconate was authorized in the United States in 1968.
The aims of the diaconate are to enrich and strengthen the works of service being performed by the Church, to enlist a new group of devout and competent married and single men in the active ministry of the Church, and to aid in extending needed charitable and liturgical service to the faithful. Wives of deacons assist in many of these areas.
The number of deacons in the United States has continued to grow steadily. There are more than 10,000 permanent deacons ministering in more than 140 (arch)dioceses in the United States.
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