What is a Deacon?
Deacons are one of the ordained ministries of the Church alongside priests and bishops. They belong to the Order of Deacons and are ordained by a bishop to ‘serve’ the community in various ways. Keep on reading…
Where does the name 'deacon' come from?
The title deacon comes from the Greek word diakonos (διάκονος), which can be translated as ‘servant’ or ‘minister’. The ministry of the deacon is mentioned in Chapter 6 in the Acts of the Apostles. St Stephen is the first named among those chosen for this role by the apostles.
How does a deacon get chosen?
Like all vocations, a call to the ministry of Deacon is first the work of the Holy Spirit. Over at least 4 years, the individual discerns and undertakes personal, spiritual, pastoral, and theological formation. The final discernment is in the hands of the bishop, who accepts the candidate for ordination.
How can I tell a deacon from a bishop or a priest?
The vestments worn by deacons are called the dalmatic and the stole. The stole is worn across their chests from the left shoulder rather than around their neck like priests and bishops. The dalmatic is a loose-fitting tunic worn over the alb, and is often made of silk or other rich fabric. Check out 10 Questions – The Bishop for other helpful information.
What symbol signifies a deacon?
The primary symbol of the deacon is the deacon’s stole. Deacons are ordained to ‘serve’. In wearing the stole across the left shoulder, leaving one arm free, it symbolises their readiness to undertake this primary ministry of service.
Did you know that not all deacons will be ordained as priests?
Some of those ordained as deacons are ordained as part of their journey towards priesthood. These deacons are sometimes referred to as ‘transitional’ deacons. Other deacons are ordained permanently, sometimes referred to a ‘permanent’ deacons, and will not be ordained as priests.
How does a deacon serve the diocese?
Deacons serve in various ministries across a diocese. They assist the bishop and his priests. Deacons often embrace ministries outside the traditional parish structure, such as social justice work, prison ministry, youth ministry and chaplaincies. Deacons also have liturgical and sacramental roles … so keep reading.
What is the liturgical sacramental role of a deacon?
Deacons bring their ministry of service into their liturgical and sacramental roles. When assisting at Mass, deacons proclaim the Gospel, may preach the homily and are ordinary ministers of Holy Communion and give directions to the assembly. They are ordinary minsters of Baptism, can assist at weddings and funerals and give certain blessings. They are not permitted to ‘celebrate Mass’, hear confessions or anoint the sick – reserved for priests.
What is the minimum age a person can be ordained a deacon?
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, in conjunction with Code of Canon Law (this is Church law), establishes the minimum age for ordination to the permanent diaconate is thirty-five for all candidates, regardless of their marital status. If a candidate is married, they must have been married for at least 4-6 years and have consent from their spouse.
Can a deacon be married?
It is possible for married men to be ordained as ‘permanent’ deacons, though they cannot marry after they are ordained. They will often have children and grandchildren. If candidates are unmarried, they must remain celibate after ordination. It is important to note that if his wife dies before him, a deacon must not remarry and must remain celibate.
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