Deacons Serve Practical, Charitable Needs Of The Church

The diaconate is one of the earliest expressions of the apostolic Church.  In Acts 6, we hear its establishment by the Apostles’ ordination of “seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom,” to serve the practical, charitable needs of the Christian community.

We have 60 permanent deacons in the Diocese of Evansville.  Of these, 42 are still in active ministry.  These men serve in a variety of roles in their parishes and in diocesan offices.  In most situations the deacon serves in a parish, part-time and with no pay, providing support in ministries such as hospital visits, baptisms, weddings, funerals and other liturgies.  The deacon may also lead classes in scripture, RCIA and sacramental preparation.  A few deacons are employed full-time by either the diocese or by a parish as pastoral associates, parish catechetical leaders or parish life coordinators.  Some even fill multiple roles with the parish and with the diocese.

Since the restoration of the permanent diaconate, some confusion and misunderstanding have surrounded the role and responsibility of the permanent deacon. The transitional deacon’s vocation path leads to ordination as a priest.  A permanent deacon, however, is ordained for the diaconate only.  He has a unique and specific role in the clergy, and his ministry is fulfilled as a deacon.

To be ordained a deacon, men are called forth from their parish communities after demonstrating a life of service, prayer and spirituality.  Upon entering the formation program the men have five years of academic and spiritual formation.  During this time they also continue their discernment to decide if ordination is truly what they are being called to do.  Much of this time is spent studying theology, scripture, liturgy and practical matters related to their future ministry.

Although the most visible sign of the deacon’s ministry may be when he assists at Mass and occasionally preaches the homily, the primary focus of the deacon’s ministry is service, or works of charity.  Often, this ministry is done silently and in the background.  This would include visiting hospitals, nursing homes and shut-ins.  It could also include work with the poor or others in specials situations like prison.  These works of charity are the collective hallmark of the deacon’s life.

In addition to these works of service, the deacon is obliged to pray on a daily basis.  Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours are prayed each day.  Deacons also must continue to develop their ministry through continuing education and spiritual formation.

Most deacons are employed full-time in a secular jobs and perform their ministry part-time.  It is important that the deacon’s priorities remain focused on God, marriage, family, job and ministry in that order.  While the Church recognizes the important ministry of the deacon, she is also aware that this must be done without disruption to other aspects of the deacon’s life.  The deacon provides a bridge between the clerical and the secular world.  He brings the life of the Gospel into the workplace and among the people.  His ministry helps the Church fulfill its mission to spread the Gospel and the salvation of all souls.

Applicants are being sought for a new class of men considering a vocation as permanent deacons.  Classes will begin in September, 2017 and those to be ordained will do so in 2022.

Applicants must be practicing Catholics living in the Diocese of Evansville between the ages of 31 and 60.  For questions, email Deacon David Seibert at dseibert@evdio.org or call 812-423-1721.

Editor’s note – The first of three informational meetings on the diaconate occurred Jan. 26 in Vincennes. The other meetings are on Jan. 30 and Jan. 31:

• Jasper – 7 p.m. ET on Jan. 30, Presentation Room, St. Joseph Parish, 1029 Kundek St., Jasper, IN 47546

• Evansville – 6:30 p.m. CT on Jan. 31, Catholic Center, 4200 North Kentucky Ave., Evansville, IN 47711

Applications will be available.