DEACON'S
HOMILIES
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CALLED TO BE A DEACON
YOUR CALLING?
God does not call those who think they are
prepared..
God prepares those whom He calls!
Deacon’s Ministry
Permanent deacons can be found ministering to sick, among widows and orphans, serving immigrants and exiles, serving abused children, the aged, single parents, the handicapped, the divorced, alcohol and drug addicts, the homeless, prisoners, refugees, the poor, the street people, victims of racial and ethnic discrimination, etc.
As well as these duties, there are liturgical activities which include proclaiming the Gospel, preaching, voicing the needs of the people in the general intercessions, assisting in the presentation of the gifts and distribution of communion.
The deacon also solemnly baptizes, brings Viaticum to the dying, is an official witness of the Church at marriages, officiates at funerals and burial services, gives Benediction with the monstrance or ciborium, and guides and administers the community when no priest is resident.
In the USA, this last mentioned function has been one which has been receiving increased attention as the permanent diaconate has matured; that is, to promote and sustain the apostolic activities of the lay faithful.
With the exception of celebrating Mass, absolving sins and anointing the sick, all of which are reserved to priests, deacons are given authority by the bishop, with consent of the pastors with whom they minister, for a full range of liturgical functions which sometimes may appear indistinguishable from those of the priests.
However, the primary task of the deacon is to be a promoter and motivator of the laity to become increasingly involved in the mission of the Church.
A Bridge
In summary, the deacon is sometimes described as a bridge between the laity from whose ranks he comes and the clergy of which is now part. From the outset of his formation, the deacon is formed to be an animator of others, lay men and women, that they may become increasingly involved in this mission of the Church.
The deacon, because of who he is and the background from which he comes, is uniquely qualified to bring a sense of integration to the variety of activities which mark the life of a parish. These qualities reflect the deacon's experience of integrating in his own life the obligations and commitments as husband, father, and one who has spent many years in the workforce, and yet has been called by the Church to minister in her name.
Do you see yourself in the following description?
“A deacon helps others and enjoys doing it. He is sensitive to the feelings of others. He accommodates to other people’s needs. He knows how to relate to people and likes them. He is a team player who enhances the qualities of the people in his group. He places high priority on the importance of family. He has a great deal of energy. He is able to build trust with almost every one. He is “a man of prayer.” He is responsible and cooperative with ecclesial authority, without being either overly submissive or rebellious. A good deacon is always service-oriented, consistent, well-balanced and realistic.”
If you are already serving God’s people in one or more “service” areas, and enjoy doing that; if you are at least 32 years old; and if you have some leadership ability: perhaps you ought to pray for the gift of discernment of your vocation, and talk with Fr. Olman about the permanent diaconate.