4 - Year Formation Program

Jesus came as the Servant of the Father doing the will of the Father and

giving us an example of service.

The Church as servant, carries on the mission of Christ, not to be served

but to serve. The Deacon is a man of faith called by the Church to serve

God and God's people as an official representative of the Church in loving

service to others. He is a witness to the serving Christ. Sacramental

ordination to the Diaconate is a sharing in the ministerial priesthood of

Jesus Christ and in the Church's ministry of service.

A deacon must be sensitive to the needs of men and women and ready to

give of himself by responding to the needs of everyone especially the poor

and the alienated. His identity is that of service.

While bishops, priests, deacons and laity often perform similar functions, a

deacon is ordained to the Ministry of Charity, of Word and of Liturgy.

Priests and deacons are collaborative associates of the bishop and both

are under the direction of the bishop.

By ordination the deacon:

Is called to diaconal service which effects a new relationship to the Holy

Spirit.

Is publically acknowledged by the Church as one called by the Spirit for

the good of the entire community of believers.

Is united in a fraternity of service and sacramental ministry to the bishop

and all ordained priests and deacons.

Publically commits himself to the responsibility of communicating God's

word and announcing His Kingdom in and through the Church.

Whether married or single, the majority of deacons continue to support

themselves through their own profession or occupation. By continuing in

their occupation, Deacons have the opportunity to bring the presence of

Christ to the marketplace in a unique way. They become a valuable sign

and symbol of Christ and the Church serving the world, thereby helping to

eliminate any separation between the Church and the world. Ordinarily,

Deacons offer their ministry freely to the Church and receive no monetary

compensation for their service.

Deacons are ordained for the service of the diocese. Appointments are made by the bishop and are usually to a parish but

they can be to an institution or special apostolate of the diocese.

The work the deacon performs depends upon his own abilities; the needs of the diocese; and the local community he serves.

His work involves various kinds of service.

Charitable service is the main area of the deacon's ministry. All Christians are called to charity but the deacon is the one who

is officially sent or ordained by the Church to bring Christ and His good news to those in need. The deacon inspires and

supports others' works of charity by his actions and deeds, taking care not to minimize, degrade or overshadow the efforts of

others.

What distinguishes a deacon from the lay person is his ordination through the sacrament of Holy Orders. Thus, the deacon is

called by the Church to share in the ministry of Christ on behalf of the Church and the world.

Deacons are ordained for the service of the diocese. Appointments are made by the bishop and are usually to a

parish but they can be to an institution or special apostolate of the diocese.

The work the deacon performs depends upon his own abilities; the needs of the diocese; and the local community he

serves. His work involves various kinds of service.

Charitable service is the main area of the deacon's ministry. All Christians are called to charity but the deacon is the

one who is officially sent or ordained by the Church to bring Christ and His good news to those in need. The deacon

inspires and supports others' works of charity by his actions and deeds, taking care not to minimize, degrade or

overshadow the efforts of others.

What distinguishes a deacon from the lay person is his ordination through the sacrament of Holy Orders. Thus, the

deacon is called by the Church to share in the ministry of Christ on behalf of the Church and the world.