Deacon Vocation

[deepsouthpapist]

I am interested in learning more about becoming a deacon. I feel as though I am called into a greater spiritual life, however, what that means isn’t exactly clear. I am exploring some lay third orders such as the Dominicans, etc. I am interested in the basics from Deacons out there - the discernment process, training, etc. How did you know this was your calling? Any suggestions, help is appreciated.

 

[Cristiano]

Step 1: talk to a deacon in your parish
Step 2: talk to your pastor
Step 3: get a spiritual director and keep working with him even if the diaconate is not your call

In the mean time you can go through usccb.org/deacon/faqs.shtml and usccb.org/deacon/DeaconDirectory.pdf

 

[mountainman99]

Here’s a book that might help you if you’re interested:

101 Questions and Answers on Deacons

It looks like a good format to learn about deacons.

 

[Mike_SFO_1]

A calling to a Lay Order and the Diaconate are two very different things. A member of a lay order can be a Deacon as well but these are two different callings and you should discern with a SD which way God is calling you.

In addition to the other comments you might call your Diocese Diaconate Formation Office. In my Diocese (Los Angeles) formation starts in the fall and they are now beginning the application process which can be lengthy. The first year of formation is all about discernment and at this time you will be working with a Spiritual Director.

I was called into being in a Lay Order and then at a later period the calling to the Diaconate. If this is your calling as well it is a blessing to the Diaconate table. You will bring the Charism of the order to the Diaconate which is a very good thing.

Peace and all good,

Mike, SFO

 

[AidanM32]

Hello,
I’m 15 years old, and I have a feeling I am being called to a Religious life… I have heard of a deacon but what exactly is a deacon, is it like a priest?

Aidan

 

[jgbuff]

Mountainman99

thnx for the link on the book. I feel I am being called to the deaconate, this book will be a good start to my discernment.

 

[angelic06]

Hello,
I’m 15 years old, and I have a feeling I am being called to a Religious life… I have heard of a deacon but what exactly is a deacon, is it like a priest?

Aidan

Since there are no deacons (or priests) who are answering this question, I, a lay man, will hazard an answer.

A deacon is one of the three orders of the Sacrament of Holy Orders (diaconate, presbyterate, episcopate—these latter two are the two ranks of priesthood) which we Catholics consider to be of either divine or apostolic origins. According to the Book of Acts (?), the two groups of Jews, the Greeks and the…(?)…were quarreling among themselves about the aid given to each. It was decided that seven men should be chosen among themselves, whom the apostles will appoint (and pray over) to supervise the table service and the charitable aid, so that the apostles will devote themselves to ministry. Anyway, to make a long story short, these are considered to be the first deacons.

Now, for the specifics of diaconia in today’s world:

A deacon (in the Latin Church) is authorized to baptize, to witness marriages on behalf of the Church (when there is no Mass), to officiate over burials, to expose the Blessed Sacrament as well as give Benediction, to bring Holy Communion to the infirm, to proclaim the Holy Gospel, and to preach. He is ordained to the ministry, but not the ministerial priesthood (all the baptized are called to the priesthood of the faithful, who exercise their legitimate roles in the celebration of the Mass) which is necessary to celebrate the Eucharist (in other words, no ordained priest, no Mass). As such, he is a cleric due to sacred ordination and no longer a layperson. In all cases, he is to be a man with deep reverence for the sacred and to be a man of prayer, always living in a way that is not unbecoming of the calling which he has received (I should also add that we lay people should also live in a fashion which brings praise to God, keeping our baptismal dignity unstained).

In the eastern Catholic Churches, I believe that the last two are the only things authorized out of the above list (with the exception of emergency baptisms), but they also have an extensive role in the Divine Liturgy (or the Mass in the Latin Church). For example, I think it is the deacon who calls the worshippers attention when necessary or as part of the liturgy (“Wisdom, be attentive!”). But the part of the eastern Churches I know only from second hand knowledge, so I yield to those who have better knowledge than me.

That being said, being a diocesan (or eparchial) deacon or priest is a separate call from the one to the religious or consecrated state, though in a few individuals they may coexist. I hope this helps.

With blessings,

Paul, a fellow servant of His Majesty our God and King (and a grievous sinner)

 

[Diaconia]

I am interested in learning more about becoming a deacon. I feel as though I am called into a greater spiritual life, however, what that means isn’t exactly clear. I am exploring some lay third orders such as the Dominicans, etc. I am interested in the basics from Deacons out there - the discernment process, training, etc. How did you know this was your calling? Any suggestions, help is appreciated.

I’m a deacon myself, ordained for five years.

Typical characteristics present in one being called to the diaconate would include a desire to help others as well as a growing intensity for prayer and closeness to Jesus Christ.

You should find a Spiritual Director (if you don’t already have one) and meet with him regularly. Best choices are another deacon or a priest for someone discerning a diaconal call.

The discernment process includes an application, psychological testing, and interviews for admission to a period (usually one year) of *aspirancy *(similar to novitiate in consecrated life).

From there the formal process of formation usually covers three to four years and includes academic, spiritual and personal development. Annual reviews and interviews will determine if you continue in the process of formation.

In our country you need to be 35 or older at the time of ordination.

Send me a Private Message if you want to correspond more about your own personal situation.

God bless,

 

[Mattapoisett64]

Since there are no deacons (or priests) who are answering this question, I, a lay man, will hazard an answer.

A deacon is one of the three orders of the Sacrament of Holy Orders (diaconate, presbyterate, episcopate—these latter two are the two ranks of priesthood) which we Catholics consider to be of either divine or apostolic origins. According to the Book of Acts (?), the two groups of Jews, the Greeks and the…(?)…were quarreling among themselves about the aid given to each. It was decided that seven men should be chosen among themselves, whom the apostles will appoint (and pray over) to supervise the table service and the charitable aid, so that the apostles will devote themselves to ministry. Anyway, to make a long story short, these are considered to be the first deacons.

Now, for the specifics of diaconia in today’s world:

A deacon (in the Latin Church) is authorized to baptize, to witness marriages on behalf of the Church (when there is no Mass), to officiate over burials, to expose the Blessed Sacrament as well as give Benediction, to bring Holy Communion to the infirm, to proclaim the Holy Gospel, and to preach. He is ordained to the ministry, but not the ministerial priesthood (all the baptized are called to the priesthood of the faithful, who exercise their legitimate roles in the celebration of the Mass) which is necessary to celebrate the Eucharist (in other words, no ordained priest, no Mass). As such, he is a cleric due to sacred ordination and no longer a layperson. In all cases, he is to be a man with deep reverence for the sacred and to be a man of prayer, always living in a way that is not unbecoming of the calling which he has received (I should also add that we lay people should also live in a fashion which brings praise to God, keeping our baptismal dignity unstained).

In the eastern Catholic Churches, I believe that the last two are the only things authorized out of the above list (with the exception of emergency baptisms), but they also have an extensive role in the Divine Liturgy (or the Mass in the Latin Church). For example, I think it is the deacon who calls the worshippers attention when necessary or as part of the liturgy (“Wisdom, be attentive!”). But the part of the eastern Churches I know only from second hand knowledge, so I yield to those who have better knowledge than me.

That being said, being a diocesan (or eparchial) deacon or priest is a separate call from the one to the religious or consecrated state, though in a few individuals they may coexist. I hope this helps.

With blessings,

Paul, a fellow servant of His Majesty our God and King (and a grievous sinner)

This is perhaps the best and most helpful brief summary of the diaconate I’ve ever seen here. Thank you.

 

[plato3]

This is perhaps the best and most helpful brief summary of the diaconate I’ve ever seen here. Thank you.

Very good answers. Don’t believe I saw bless religious items and cars, boats,homes,shops Etc. Folks usually ask if the deacon can do that. They sure can. Some pastors delagate a lot of the blessings to the deacons.

 

[AntoniusVII]

One important additional role:
A Deacon is an Ordinary Minister of Holy Communion, the same as a Priest or Bishop.