Discerning the deaconate; but I can't keep my mouth shut

[scriabin]

My kids are grown and out of the house. My wife is completely for it. I’m passionate about God and His Church.

I’m college educated with several degrees and, being part of a large organization, I know how people work and the hiearchy of command. I know how to work commitees.

I’m a great public speaker, willing to go back and get a theology/pastoral degree; but you know what?

**I don’t think I could handle a parish assignment under some bozo priest/administrator. **

God’s Church isn’t just some business where you can turn off the lights at 5:00 and forget about it. Liturgical abuses would drive me batty. Slack education programs are even worse.

Do deacons take a vow of obediance? Is my lack of submissiveness to authority a sign that it’s just not for me?

 

[byHisGrace]

scriabin:

My kids are grown and out of the house. My wife is completely for it. I’m passionate about God and His Church.

I’m college educated with several degrees and, being part of a large organization, I know how people work and the hiearchy of command. I know how to work commitees.

I’m a great public speaker, willing to go back and get a theology/pastoral degree; but you know what?

**I don’t think I could handle a parish assignment under some bozo priest/administrator. **

God’s Church isn’t just some business where you can turn off the lights at 5:00 and forget about it. Liturgical abuses would drive me batty. Slack education programs are even worse.

Do deacons take a vow of obediance? Is my lack of submissiveness to authority a sign that it’s just not for me?

I don’t think there is anyone here who can tell you whether its for you or not. I will say that those things that irritate you in this post suggests you might struggle with control issues. We had a deacon in our Church who conflicted with our pastor in not so subtle ways because our pastor is a bit disorganized though well meaning and a very good man. The deacon’s lack of submission and some of his statements (even if true) were not good for our parish. While I loved the deacon and knew his intent was good, I was glad to see him go. Pride is both the sin and the challenge we all face constantly and is the root of so much other sin and discord. May I suggest you meditate about your willingness to remain in humble submission to a less than perfect pastor or Bishop…and that you consider that a calling to the Diaconate might be something that would never call on you to use the talents you’ve described…but might call you to holiness and through your own transformation bring you to do work as a deacon that you feel you might be least suited to?
Just a thought…I’ll pray for you as you go through your discernment.
May God bless you!

 

[gelsbern]

Well take console in the fact that you work for the bishop who assigns you to assist a priest. You report directly to the bishop, so if there is some bozo priest you do get assigned to, being that you are under the bishop you can without qualm report the issues directly to the bishop and not feel you are going over anyone’s head.

 

[scriabin]

Thank you both for your measured replies. You have answered my questions.

Peace.

 

[Deacon_Ed]

Deacon Greg’s comments are, unfortunately, not completely accurate. While one does, indeed, work “for” the bishop (as do the priests) deacons are assigned to a particular supervisor which is, normally, a priest. And, yes, we do make a promise of obedience to the bishop and his successors.

Part of the dynamics of serving as a deacon is learning to swallow one’s pride. I told my current pastor when he was assigned to my parish that if I disagreed with him I would make it clear – to him – that I disagreed. Once he made his decision, however, it was a shared decision and there would never, ever, be an occasion where I gave any indication that I was anything but 100% behind him.

As human beings we are all flawed in some way or other. As deacons we are to be servants – and that pretty much means we have to serve with, and under, some “bozo priest” from time to time. If you can’t do that, then maybe you aren’t called to the diaconate. There are many other ministries and services in the Church where you can be your own boss.

Deacon Ed

 

[otm]

Just some random thoughts.

What is it that you perceive is the charism of the diaconite?

If you were ordained, what do you think would be your duties?

What strengths do you bring to the table, that would apply to you as deacon?

It seems to me that you are looking at a postion of deacon as one involved very much in parish life. Are there other areas of service that would be appropriate? Areas in which you might not necessarily be involved in a parish as a deacon?

I get the impression that you see the deacon being involved very much in the Mass and in educational programs in the parish - might there be other ways you could or should serve rather than in that mold?

 

[scriabin]

Thanks for more replies, guys.

I enjoy serving others. No, it’s more accurate to say, I get a charge out of it, a kick, an emotional high; it’s when I feel most alive.

I’ve served at 2-3 different parishes in a variety of ministries since my conversion in '92 and I feel satisfied with my contributions.

As our children leave the nest it gives us an opportunity to use our new found free time in a useful way. I’m discerning how to use that time.

I’m currently pursuing personal academic interests that have been on hold and am planning for next year’s achievements; but I feel a bit selfish (not too much though–I’m not scrupulous).

I’m looking for a way to serve others.

I’m passionate about the Church; but I don’t think I’m called for the deaconate.

I will continue to serve in other ways.

 

[byHisGrace]

scriabin:

Thanks for more replies, guys.

I enjoy serving others. No, it’s more accurate to say, I get a charge out of it, a kick, an emotional high; it’s when I feel most alive.

I’ve served at 2-3 different parishes in a variety of ministries since my conversion in '92 and I feel satisfied with my contributions.

As our children leave the nest it gives us an opportunity to use our new found free time in a useful way. I’m discerning how to use that time.

I’m currently pursuing personal academic interests that have been on hold and am planning for next year’s achievements; but I feel a bit selfish (not too much though–I’m not scrupulous).

I’m looking for a way to serve others.

I’m passionate about the Church; but I don’t think I’m called for the deaconate.

I will continue to serve in other ways.

Sometimes its such a joy to see someone honestly trying to discern what God is calling them to, and even better, to see someone demonstrate enough humility to realize that what they might have wanted isn’t what God wants for them after all.

I rejoice in your decision, not because of whether you’ve chosen pursue the Diaconate or chosen not to, but because you’re passionate about service and being primarily concerned with God’s role, and not just a personal ambition. How wonderful is that!!!

Speaking as a lay person deeply committed to service in our Church, I cannot stress highly enough how much we need good Catholic men of strong character who passionately want to build up the Body of Christ. May your passion never die, and it won’t if you remain committed to your prayer life!

I suspect you’ll be called in so many ways into deeper service in the Church, by your fiat…you’re saying YES to what God wants, regardless of where that takes you.

May God richly bless you in your ministry!