Diaconate

What is the diaconate?

The Sacrament of Holy Orders has three grades: episcopacy, priesthood, and diaconate. The diaconate is the name given to the rank of deacon.

When was the Order of Deacon instituted?

You will find the story of the ordination of the first deacons in Acts of the Apostles (Chapter 6:1-6). When the apostles were busy preaching in the Jerusalem area, they received word from some Jews outside Palestine that the material needs of widows in their community were being neglected. The apostles then assigned the duty of caring for the widows to seven men, whom they ordained as deacons by praying and laying their hands on them.

What is the difference between a transitional deacon and a permanent deacon?

A transitional deacon is a man for whom the diaconate is one stage on his journey to the priesthood. A permanent deacon is a man who remains permanently in the diaconate without advancing to the priesthood.

Who can become a permanent deacon?

The office is open to unmarried men 25 years of age and older, and married men 35 years and older. Candidates must undergo at least three years of study and formation.

Would an unmarried deacon be allowed to marry?

An unmarried deacon must remain celibate. A married deacon who is widowed may not remarry.

What are the duties of a permanent deacon?

A permanent deacon assists the priests and the people in many ways, such as proclaiming the Scriptures, preaching, baptizing, blessing marriages, and presiding at funerals. In addition, like the deacons of the early Church, an important responsibility of the permanent deacon is his leadership of the community in works of charity.

How is a deacon ordained?

All three degrees of the Sacrament of Holy Orders are conferred by a bishop. The ordination rite consists of the laying on of hands by the bishop accompanied by a consecratory prayer. The celebration normally takes place in a cathedral within the Sunday Eucharistic liturgy. Before ordination the candidates make a profession of faith and take an oath of fidelity.