Vocations

[DeaconJoeP]

Dear Catholic Answers:

I noticed that under the title of Vocations, you mention priests and religious, but not deacons, who are ordained ministers in the Catholic Church, and part of her hierarchy. I would humble suggest that you prayerfully consider adding deacons.

Deacon do very important work for the church and the people of God, while I know that there is a shortage of priests, and we all should pray and encourage young men and some older men at times to consider the priesthood, let us not forget the vocations to the diaconate .

Many blessings and thanks for having these forums here.

 

[KD8TZC]

Well, if I go to the Catholic Living forum, and see the subtitle for vocations I see “Priesthood, religious life, marriage, discernment, prayers, and more”. Wouldn’t Deacons fall under the and “more” part?

 

[808Catholic]

I’d like to second @DeaconJoeP’s request. Until recently, I, like I suspect many Catholics, didn’t realize the importance of the diaconate in our Diocese. As I learn more about their vocation, I respect their selfless giving more and more.

Many do not realize that deacons do not get any pay for their diaconal duties; they earn their living usually outside of the church. They have to balance professional, family, and personal life while attending to their vocation as assigned by the Bishop/Archbishop. They are asked to assist priests and Bishops/Archbishops and help the parishioners at all hours of the day. All deacons, aspirants, and inquirers (as well as their wives/families!) have my full respect.

 

[Antegin]

Deacons are unappreciated. The work they do, assigned by the bishop, is hidden but still invaluable. Just as intended in Acts, Deacons enable priests to focus on the Gospel and the sacramental life which only priests can do. People who know a Deacon might know about their work, but most don’t because Deacons are new and old.

From this really good article, catholicregister.org/item/15062-deacons-have-been-a-part-of-the-church-since-earliest-days.

“In the (Second) Vatican (Council), 101 propositions were specifically on the diaconate,” Lovrick said. “There was a lot of back and forth, some cardinals in support… others against it. But by 1964, the dogmatic document of the Church, Lumen Gentium, (had a) very clear section on the deacons calling for the restoration on the diaconate.”

Today, there is a transitional diaconate, the step immediately before one becomes a priest, and the permanent diaconate, for those who do not go on to the priesthood. But before these were established as distinct ideas, the permanent diaconate began to wane by 1000, and soon disappeared in the western Church. “For 500 years, (the restoration) was on hold.”

Vatican II, much like the Council of Trent, discussed the Church and its place in the modern world. It ran from 1962 to 1965, and the restoration of the diaconate was a solid fixture of discussion. But the council did something that Trent didn’t — it followed through on the diaconate discussion. “In the (Second) Vatican (Council), 101 propositions were specifically on the diaconate,” Lovrick said. “There was a lot of back and forth, some cardinals in support… others against it. But by 1964, the dogmatic document of the Church, Lumen Gentium, (had a) very clear section on the deacons calling for the restoration on the diaconate.”

We do need to pray for more vocations to the permanent diaconate and talk to young men about this particular calling.

 

[Mary_Estelle]

Deacons are a great addition to any parish. We have two. And yes, they should be included into the category of vocations. Peace.

 

[ChurchSoldier]

The Roman Catholic and Anglican Churches would both do well to lift up the permanent Diaconate.

As stated, a Deacons are fully clergy. A great book by James Barnett is “The Diaconate: A Full and Equal Order”. It was very informative as it covers both the historical as well as the modern roles within the Church.