Permanent Deacons

[Mokey]

I know that a priest can not hold a political office but does this restriction also apply to permanent deacons? Since the Church requires permanent deacons to be self supportive, there shouldn’t be any restrictions on professions unless it is immoral work. Political office would be an honorable living.

 

[Krebsbach]

Canon 287 ss 2 sez clerics are generally not to have an active part in political parties. However, 288 sez canon 287 does not bind permanent deacons unless “particular law establishes otherwise.”

 

[JugglingReferee]

The last number of years have been quite special in my Catholic life. Those close to me have suggested that I consider a vocation. That is important to me because I have already investigated a vocation, to some degree.

My question surrounds the permanent deaconate. I know that it’s imperative that a man’s wife fully support his quest to be a deacon. Must she also be Catholic? Is it permitted that she can be a non-Catholic Christian?

Thanks.

 

[searching06]

Two thoughts as I am in the inquiry phase for the diaconate.

One is you are allowed to hold political office since a deacon is of the people. Remember, however, that your calling to the diaconate will take considerable time, and the Bishop you serve (a deacon is not necessarily assigned to a parish) may have (name removed by moderator)ut into your political undertakings if it interferes with your ordained duties. Check with your diocese.

Second is that your wife does not have to be Catholic, but it may take a dispensation from Rome. We just went through a survey of “impediments” - things that could prevent someone from being a deacon. Mixed faith marriages were mentioned, but did not rule anyone out directly; frankly, I did not pay much attention to that part, but you can call your diocesan judicial vicar to find out. In our diocese, and I think everywhere, your wife must sign a consent for you to be ordained. If she does not agree, it will not happen. You will not succeed without her.

Also remember that if she dies once you are ordained, you cannot remarry. Many wives have an issue with this, more than the men it seems.

God bless, good luck.

 

[DiscerningDave]

A great friend of mine is a permanant deacon and he holds a political office. He had to get special permission from our bishop. And the only reason he was granted the permission was because he has held this office before. It is just city councilman, but an elected office non-the-less.

 

[stbruno]

We have deacons who are aldermen. We have deacons who are judges. I guess there is no prohibition about that.