Is there anyone who feels called to a permanent celibate deacon as opposed to a priest?

[RTL1980]

Hello,

As I’ve been discerning my religious vocation for about 2 years, I’ve really never felt called to the priesthood, either religious or diocesan. I felt more called to be a brother, but I have my reservations about that as well. My friend, who is a seminarian told me that I should look into the diaconate. I have never done this before, but for whatever reason, I feel God is calling me to chaplaincy, such as hospital or prison ministry, and from what I have read about deacons, they’re much more involved in that field as opposed to priests. Any men who feel called to the diaconate (unmarried) vs. the priesthood?

 

[L_Marshall]

We had a gentleman in my diocese who is unmarried, and was ordained as a permanent deacon a few months ago. He took a vow of celibacy when he was ordained (like all unmarried ordinands do).

The one thing I would mention is that most deacons don’t work for the Church full-time. Often, they have a regular, secular job. While you could get a job in hospital or prison ministry (and this is certainly suitable for a deacon), you have no guarantee of being placed there, or whether or not it is economically viable.

I would contact your diocese’s diaconate formation director and discuss it with him to be sure.

 

[IrishRush]

My brother did it, and as the other posted mentioned about other deacons, he has a full time job away from the Church (he’s a professor and scientist). So, yes, it’s done.
As the saying goes, all things are possible through God.
Pray for discernment.
God bless you on your journey.

 

[adawgj]

If that’s what God wills go for it.

 

[B79]

Not specifically the unmarried permanent diaconate, but even as a married man, I believe that freely chosen celibacy is a beautiful and powerful witness to a world so pervasive with lust. I have the utmost admiration for those who live it.

I’ll pray for you as you discern your vocation.

 

[Lapey]

Hello,

As I’ve been discerning my religious vocation for about 2 years, I’ve really never felt called to the priesthood, either religious or diocesan. I felt more called to be a brother, but I have my reservations about that as well. My friend, who is a seminarian told me that I should look into the diaconate. I have never done this before, but for whatever reason, I feel God is calling me to chaplaincy, such as hospital or prison ministry, and from what I have read about deacons, they’re much more involved in that field as opposed to priests. Any men who feel called to the diaconate (unmarried) vs. the priesthood?

In the class I was ordained with there were nine of us, one was single and made the promise of celibacy. Our current class has six men and one is single.

The diaconate is a distinct calling. It is worth your full discernment and prayer if you feel led to work in institutions like you mention. Good luck!

 

[Elizium23]

We had a gentleman in my diocese who is unmarried, and was ordained as a permanent deacon a few months ago. He took a vow of celibacy when he was ordained (like all unmarried ordinands do).

Since he is diocesan, it is probably a promise and not a vow.