A Call to the Permanent Diaconate

So, what is a Permanent Deacon? The Permanent Deacon is an ordained man, married or single, called to be open to God’s love, promises and guidance in the service of the Church, assisting the Bishop and Priest locally and the wider church as the case may be. The name deacon comes from the Greek word ‘diakonia’, which means ‘service’. This means the deacon is called to serve, like Christ, who came to serve, and not to be served.

Therefore the Diaconal Ministry is a ministry of service with three main functions:

1) The ministry of the Word – proclaiming the Gospel.
2) The ministry of the Altar – distinct service at Mass.
3) The ministry of Charity – espouse charitable works.

St Paul outlines the qualifications of the Deacon in his first letter to Timothy (1 Timothy 3:8-12

• A deacon is self-controlled in his actions, speech and interactions must have respect for others and respected.
• A deacon is sound in faith
• A deacon has been tested
• A deacon is faithful to his wife if married
• A deacon manages his children and household well

If selected, Diaconal candidates undergo a programme of formation; human, spiritual, theological and pastoral.

Are you a man between 21 years to 58 years, prayerful, with the desire to love God and God’s people within the Archdiocese as well as the wider church community? Are you involved in services within your parish and/or community?

Do you feel called to be a Permanent Deacon?

Do you have the gift to help members of the Church to discover and put into action their gifts and talents and the ministry of Christ?

Have you tried many things and still feel drawn to a closer relationship with Christ and His Church?

If you have answered ‘yes’ to one or more of the questions above, and require further information about the Permanent Diaconate, then contact Deacon Ian  who is the Director of Formation for our Diocese. ianblack@rcaos.org.uk

 Come and see what the Lord has in store for you!

(This message was provided by Fr. Bart Dudek whom many of you remember as a priest who served here at St. Francis until ten years ago.  He is now the Episcopal Vicar for the Permanent Diaconate of the Southwark Diocese.)