The Permanent Diaconate

[Catholic4Jesus]

I have some questions regarding the permanent diaconate.

Isn’t it true that if a single person is ordained to the diaconate, he is forbidden to marry just like the priests and the bishops?

Isn’t it true that if a married person is ordained to the diaconate, he is no longer allowed to be intimate with his wife for the rest of his life?

How does diaconate training/formation differ from priesthood formation?

If a single/widowed permanent deacon decides to pursue priestly ordination, is he allowed to and what extra steps would he have to take in doing so?

If a single/widowed permanent deacon decides to marry/remarry, can he seek permission from his local bishop to do so?

 

[Lapey]

I have some questions regarding the permanent diaconate.

Okay, I’ll make up some answers…

Isn’t it true that if a single person is ordained to the diaconate, he is forbidden to marry just like the priests and the bishops?

Yes…he must promise to live a life of celibacy.

Isn’t it true that if a married person is ordained to the diaconate, he is no longer allowed to be intimate with his wife for the rest of his life?

No this is not true…see link.

frvanhove.wordpress.com/2012/09/18/letter-of-cardinal-francesco-palmerio-to-cardinal-timothy-dolan-on-the-subject-of-canon-277-%C2%A7-1/

How does diaconate training/formation differ from priesthood formation?

It is typically not a “degreed program” as a priestly formation would require. A priest would be required to have a Philosophy degree, bachelors, and masters of divinity and theology. Not the same in every diocese or order, but there are requirements that are Church wide. The diaconate is not the same in most cases. It is required that there be a 3 year formation with an initial year of “formal discernment” for a total of four required. My diocese requires four years plus the discernment year for a total of five; but no requirement of a college degree.

If a single/widowed permanent deacon decides to pursue priestly ordination, is he allowed to and what extra steps would he have to take in doing so?

Yes with the understanding this is rare and should be. The Church must see the need and reasoning to this exception. The diocesan bishop must approve and receive approval from Rome. Requirements would generally be the same as all priestly formation. There are no short cuts. Remember this vocation is very different than the priesthood and is not an abbreviated version of it.

If a single/widowed permanent deacon decides to marry/remarry, can he seek permission from his local bishop to do so?

Yes, but the local bishop alone cannot approve it. A deacon asking to be married after ordination must receive dispensation from the Holy See.

Hope this helps.

 

[Lapey]

Pretty much the same message…nice! Simultaneous posts that match…

 

[Catholic4Jesus]

Thanks for the response Deacon. How does the vocation of a deacon differ from that of a priest? God bless

 

[Scottgun]

You might want to look at this: canonlaw.info/a_deacons.htm

 

[aemcpa]

I have some questions regarding the permanent diaconate.

Ok. Shoot.

Isn’t it true that if a single person is ordained to the diaconate, he is forbidden to marry just like the priests and the bishops?

Yes.

Isn’t it true that if a married person is ordained to the diaconate, he is no longer allowed to be intimate with his wife for the rest of his life?

No.

How does diaconate training/formation differ from priesthood formation?

Priests study in seminary, which is a 6-10 year period of full time formation at a school designed to train men for the priesthood. They obtain multiple academic degrees during the course of their stuides. Deacons generally study on nights and weekends while living in the world on their own or with their families, and may or may not earn an academic degree in the course of their studies.

If a single/widowed permanent deacon decides to pursue priestly ordination, is he allowed to and what extra steps would he have to take in doing so?

Yes. That decision and the program of formation needed would be up to his bishop.

If a single/widowed permanent deacon decides to marry/remarry, can he seek permission from his local bishop to do so?

No. A man who has received Holy Orders, even as a deacon, may not validly enter into a marriage unless he is laicized; that is, unless he is deprived of the rights and responsibilities of the clerical state. However, I believe that the Holy See could grant a dispensation from the law for a grave reason, such as if a deacon is widowed at a young age and still has young children.

 

[aemcpa]

I see that all these answers were provided above. Apparently my computer hadn’t caught up with the thread. Sorry for the duplication.