The ministry of a deacon is similar to but different from that of a priest or bishop. A deacon is ordained and missioned by Christ through the bishop to minister to the needy and the poor and to be a minister of Word and Sacrament, working in obedience to his bishop and in close fraternal cooperation with priests. While all Christians are called to serve others, the deacon is an official sign of this service and he solemnly promises to be a living example of such service for others.

A Permanent Deacon is:

• graced by the sacrament of ordination to proclaim by his very life the church’s call to serve the needs of others;

• a herald of the word, to transmit the Gospel in the marketplace where public opinion is formed and ethical norms are applied;

• an interpreter of the needs and desires of the Christian community. A promoter of the Church’s service. A sign of the Lord Jesus "who came to serve not to be served."

• a minister of the "word" ... proclaiming the Gospel, preaching and Catechetical instruction.

• ministry of liturgy, to be an active participant.

On June 18, 1967 Pope Paul VI outlined 11 specific tasks which a bishop can assign to a deacon. They are as follows:

1. To assist the bishop and priest during liturgical services in regard to all those matters assigned to the deacon by the liturgical books for the various rites.

2. To administer Baptism solemnly.

3. To reserve the Eucharist and to give communion to himself and others, to bring viaticum to the dying, to give benediction with the monstrance or ciborium.

4. To assist at marriages in the name of the Church, when no priest is available and with the bishop's or pastors delegation, to impart the nuptial blessing.

5. To administer sacramentals and preside at funeral and burial rites.

6. To read the book of Scriptures to the faithful, to instruct and exhort the congregation.

7. To preside at the Liturgy of the Hours and at prayer services when no priest is available.

8. To lead celebrations of the Word, especially in places where there is a lack of priests.

9. To perform charitable and administrative duties and works of social welfare "in the name of the hierarchy.''

10. To administer scattered communities of Christians in the name of the parish priest and the bishop.

11. To encourage and promote the lay apostolate.

A prospective candidate is expected to give evidence -through various materials submitted in the application process — of the following:

• At least 32 years of age at start of formation program and no older than 60 years of age

• Active participation in the Catholic faith

• Baptism. Confirmation, and Matrimony (it married), all within the Catholic Church

• Record of service in the Church, with some demonstrated leadership roles

• Approval and support of the parish (e.g., pastor. parish council)

• Sufficient economic security and job stability

• Good health

• Personal and psychological stability

• Ability to work well with others

• Openness to ongoing personal and spiritual growth

• Ability to handle college level work

• Completion of the Diocesan Ministry Training Program

An applicant can be single or married. If he is married he must give evidence of:

• A stable, growing marriage

• The understanding and approval of his spouse of the diaconal commitment

Because of their unique sacramental relationship, it is necessary that the wives of applicants participate in the activities of the formation program. Attendance at retreats and days of recollection is required. Attendance at classes is strongly encouraged.

If a deacon is unmarried at the time of ordination, or he becomes a widower after ordination, he must remain unmarried in accordance with the Church's discipline for the diaconate.

The Order of Deacons was instituted by the Apostles. It was restored as a permanent and public ministry in the Roman Church as a result of a decision made by the bishops at the Second Vatican Council. The restoration of the permanent diaconate was authorized in the United States in 1968.

The aims of the diaconate are to enrich and strengthen the works of service being performed by the Church, to enlist a new group of devout and competent married and single men in the active ministry of the Church, and to aid in extending needed charitable and liturgical service to the faithful. Wives of deacons assist in many of these areas.

The number of deacons in the United States has continued to grow steadily. There are more than 10,000 permanent deacons ministering in better than 140 (arch)dioceses in the United States.

Contact Deacon Tom Cooney by e-mail or call [802] 224-6161 or write Office of the Permanent Diaconate, 592 Cole Hill Road, Morrisville, VT 05661 or e-mail one of the Deacon Board members listed below.