Posts tagged deacons

St. Polycarp

The “do” word might be incorrect.  Function or service to the Church might be a more fitting term.

The imposition of hands “not unto the priesthood, but unto the ministry” for Permanent Deacons is becoming more popular today probably do to the low numbers of priest.

However, are these great and holy men replacing priest?  Do we need priest any more?  (Yes we do; however, the Deacons are very important)

Lumen Gentium (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church) writes a brief and concise section on the roles of deacons in the Catholic Church.

These men called to be permanent deacons are strengthened by sacramental grace and dedicated to the People of God.  They labor in service of the liturgy, of the Gospel, and of works of charity.  The Church calls mature men of a more mature age, and suitable young men (however, celibacy still remains in force for those young men).

What a Deacon Does

• Minister Baptism
• Custodian and distributor of the Eucharist
• Assist at and to bless marriages
• Bring Viaticum to the dying
• Read Sacred Scriptures to the faithful
• Instruct and exhort the  people
• Preside over the worship and the prayer of the faithful
• Administer sacramental
• Officiate at funeral and burial services

“Let them be merciful, and zealous, and let them walk according to the truth of the Lord, who beacme the servant of all.” -St. Polycarp

The permanent deacons are probably the least talked about in young adult programs.  Many young adults participating in parish life most likely are married or getting married (often looking for a spouse at a young adult event), so some in the group might one day be called to be a permanent deacon.

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