Allentown Catholic Diocese to ordain 47 deacons this weekend

[_Abyssinia]

The Diocese of Allentown will ordain 47 men as permanent deacons this weekend — probably the largest such class in the country, according to a national Catholic research organization.

Permanent deacons — as opposed to transitional deacons, celibate men on their way to the priesthood — are sacramental ministers who are often married and serve the church in addition to working in the secular world.

They can baptize, witness marriages, conduct funerals, preside at prayer services and preach at Mass, among other functions. It’s an increasingly important role in the church as vocations to the priesthood continue to decline.

mcall.com/news/local/mc-allentown-catholic-deacons-20150420-story.html

 

[jediliz]

But how many transitional deacons will they ordain?

 

[7_Sorrows]

Praise God!!!

 

[Tarpeian_Rock]

But how many transitional deacons will they ordain?

Your comment could be taken to dismiss or demean the significance of this event. Or is the permanent diaconate not valued in your diocese?

 

[jediliz]

Your comment could be taken to dismiss or demean the significance of this event. Or is the permanent diaconate not valued in your diocese?

I am asking because only priests can do confessions and Consecrate the Eucharist. 47 permanent deacons is wonderful…maybe if more of these were ordained, the use of EMHCs at Mass could be limited. My diocese does not use permanent deacons, but we did have a transitional deacon preach for us a few weeks ago. .