Are YOU being 'Called' to the Permanent Diaconate?
From the very earliest days of the church deacons held a special place in the Christian Community, set apart along with bishops and priests for a special role modelled on that of Christ himself. ‘Deacon’ comes from the Greek word diakonos which means a servant or helper. In particular, deacons came to be considered helpers of the bishop, responsible for the community’s day to day material and spiritual well-being. The permanent diaconate was restored in the 1960s and those ordained as permanent deacons have a ministry in today’s Church that is far reaching. Working under their bishop and alongside the parish priest, they serve the Church through the celebration of baptism and marriage, by preaching and by helping the most vulnerable members of the community.
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A useful starting point is to understand exactly what it means to be a Permanent Deacon. This is a man ordained by the Bishop of his diocese to serve the Church in a three-fold ministry:
The Ministry of Charity He is particularly called to serve the poor, the vulnerable and the marginalised. He may co-ordinate his parish’s response to their needs, fostering and supporting parish groups and initiatives for those most in need. He has a special care for matters of social justice. The Ministry of the Word He proclaims the Gospel and sometimes preaches at Mass as well as presiding and preaching at funeral and burial services. He baptises and officiates at weddings, helping people to prepare for these sacraments. He leads the people in prayer and plays a leading role in the teaching and catechetical life of his parish community. The Ministry of the Altar He offers service at the altar at the Mass assisting the Bishop or Priest. He distributes Holy Communion at Mass, in hospital and in the homes of the sick, the housebound and the dying. He may coordinate the Eucharistic ministers and Communion visits within the parish. |
The Permanent Diaconate in the Diocese of Wrexham.
There are currently twelve Permanent Deacons serving in the diocese. As well as parish ministry these men are engaged in a variety of other ministries, including school, prison and hospital chaplaincy.
The link with their home parish is crucial – candidates for the Permanent Diaconate must have the support of their parish priest and congregation and it is this community which they will serve after ordination. This means that they should be deeply rooted and engaged in their own parish, and already be involved in works of service and exercising some leadership roles within this community.
There are currently twelve Permanent Deacons serving in the diocese. As well as parish ministry these men are engaged in a variety of other ministries, including school, prison and hospital chaplaincy.
The link with their home parish is crucial – candidates for the Permanent Diaconate must have the support of their parish priest and congregation and it is this community which they will serve after ordination. This means that they should be deeply rooted and engaged in their own parish, and already be involved in works of service and exercising some leadership roles within this community.
In Wrexham, the Permanent Diaconate is open to either single men over 35 who feel called to the celibate life or to married men over 40. Those who are married must have the support of their wife and family and accept that if their spouse should die before them they cannot remarry and would live in the celibate state.
Any candidate must demonstrate the necessary maturity and stability for this life-long commitment. They will be prepared to embark on a three or four year part-time course of formation, focusing on the four areas of spiritual, pastoral, human and intellectual development.
Most candidates will be in the world of work and continue to be so after ordination. Indeed it is the role of the Permanent Deacon to have “one foot in the sanctuary and the other in the workplace”.
Above all, they will be men of faith and prayer, with a desire to serve others for the sake of God’s kingdom.
Any candidate must demonstrate the necessary maturity and stability for this life-long commitment. They will be prepared to embark on a three or four year part-time course of formation, focusing on the four areas of spiritual, pastoral, human and intellectual development.
Most candidates will be in the world of work and continue to be so after ordination. Indeed it is the role of the Permanent Deacon to have “one foot in the sanctuary and the other in the workplace”.
Above all, they will be men of faith and prayer, with a desire to serve others for the sake of God’s kingdom.
Applying to become a permanent deacon is not like applying for a secular job or profession, but involves you and the Church, particularly your Bishop, discerning whether or not God is calling you to serve His Church as a deacon. As you can imagine this process of discernment takes time, and commitment on both sides.
If you feel that you are being called to the Permanent Diaconate, in the first instance, talk to your parish priest. Further information can also be given by contacting Deacon Michael Schoonjans tel: 01978 290218
If you feel that you are being called to the Permanent Diaconate, in the first instance, talk to your parish priest. Further information can also be given by contacting Deacon Michael Schoonjans tel: 01978 290218
