Who Is a Deacon?
The word "deacon" comes
from the Greek word "diakonos", which means
servant or helper. A deacon is an ordained minister in the Church through the conferring of the sacrament of Holy
Orders by the Bishop. He is called by the Church to serve God and all of God's people. By his ordination, the deacon
shares in the ministerial priesthood of Jesus Christ and the Church's ministry of service.
The ministry of the deacon lies in three principal areas of service: the ministry of the
Word, the ministry of liturgy, and the ministry of charity. In his service to the word, the deacon proclaims the
Gospel and preaches and teaches the Gospel message. Liturgically, the deacon, in a distinct role, assists at the
Eucharistic celebration; distributes Holy Eucharist as an ordinary minister to the faithful and also carries it
to the sick and to those confined to their homes; celebrates the Sacrament of Baptism; witnesses and blesses marriages;
officiates at the Rite of Christian Burial; presides at the Liturgy of the Hours, Eucharistic Devotions concluding
with benediction, and prayer services; and prepares the faithful to receive and celebrate the sacraments. In his
service of charity, the deacon ministers to the many needs of God's people in countless ways of care and assistance.
He must be sensitive to the needs of all and be ready to give generously of himself in responding to the suffering,
the poor, and those in special need. He serves the homebound, the handicapped, and the alienated. As a caring person
himself, the deacon brings the Gospel from the heart of then Christian community to those in need of it.
Jesus came as the servant of the Father, doing the will of the Father and giving us an example
of service. Now the Church, as servant, carries on this mission of Jesus. As a man of strong faith, the deacon
is called by the Church to serve God and humankind. His identity is that of servant, and his loving service to
others is a witness to the serving Christ. In his life and ministry, he bears witness to the Lord Jesus Christ
who came from the Father to serve and not to be served. The deacon also acts as a link between the clergy and the
laity, between the liturgy and everyday life. He is a minister of the Church in the world of his family, his neighborhood,
his community, and his workplace.
The deadline for application to the Diaconate 2000 Formation Program is February 1, 2000.
Any man interested in applying to the formation program, which begins in September 2000, is asked to write to:
Reverend Mr. Kenneth J. Piechowski, Director
Diaconate Office, Center for Pastoral Leadership
28700 Euclid avenue
Wickliffe, Ohio 44092
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