A Deacon is a specific sacramental sign, in the Church, of Christ the Servant.
Basic Norms for the Formation of Permanent Deacons #5
Deacons are ordained ministers of the Church. They: receive the imposition of hands “not unto the priesthood, but unto a ministry of service” …. strengthened by sacramental grace they are dedicated to the People of God, … in the service of the liturgy, of the Gospel and of works of charity.
Vatican II, Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, #29
Message from Bishop Ralph
I invite men who believe they may be called to service and ministry in the Church as Deacons to pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and to ask the prayers of Mary, Mother of the Church.
Then, if the idea of entering for selection and formation as a deacon is supported by your parish priest and if married by your wife, take heart, put your trust in the discernment process and make contact.
Context
In the early Church a three-fold pattern of ordained ministry emerged, with bishops, priests and deacons, working together, to proclaim the Good News and to serve those in need. Over the centuries, the approach to the diaconate changed, so that deacons were only ordained as a stepping stone towards priesthood. Vatican II sought the return of the diaconate as a permanent order. In Hallam, since 1994, deacons have been ordained to serve without subsequently being ordained to priesthood. They are mature men, usually married, active in their parishes, in full time jobs or retired.
What deacons do?
Ministers of the Word
Deacons proclaim the Gospel in Mass, and strive to do so by both their words and the example of their lives. They help others to know Jesus in their preaching, as catechists, leading prayer and in scripture studies.
Ministers of the Altar
Deacons assist the bishop and priests with distinct roles within the liturgy. They preside at Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals and lead communities in other liturgical services.
Ministers of Charity
Deacons are to be a sign and driving force of the Church’s care for those in need. They are to inspire, animate and develop the servant role of the Church.
Becoming a deacon
Every baptised member of the Church has a vocation to follow Jesus and to work for the growth of his kingdom. There are many different vocations in the Church, and we all need to find our own calling.
Vocations to ordained ministry must be discerned, both by the individual and by the Church. Men who feel called to the diaconate enter a process of prayer and discernment before application, selection, and assessment. Those invited by the bishop begin a four-year formation programme of human, academic, spiritual and pastoral formation which involves continuous assessment.
The programme is run through a multi-diocesan Northern Diaconal Training Programme which involves residential weekends at Leeds, a two-year online course and single-day regional training events throughout each year.
Personal prayer and spiritual direction are essential to sound formation.
Deacon Profile
Forthcoming Ordination of Deacons at Hallam
Is God calling you to be a Deacon for Hallam?
Does what you already know about the diaconate draw you to explore further? Are you motivated by a love of the Church and her mission? Are you committed to exploring what God is asking of you for the rest of your life? Are you a baptised and confirmed Catholic, a married or a single man, aged over 30 and, preferably, under 55? Are you known in and actively engaged in the life of your parish? Are you willing and able to give your time to necessary study and to the other aspects of formation? Are you a UK citizen or do you have permanent residence in the UK? Do you have a desire to strive for social justice and to serve directly people who are in need? If you can answer yes to these questions then, if married then discuss it with your wife. If she supports you exploring a permanent vocation to be an ordained deacon, then talk, in confidence, with your parish priest or deacon of the diocese. Then contact: Rev Deacon Tony Strike Assistant Director of Deacons (Formation) Email: [email protected] Phone: 07474 144004 Hallam Vocations page for more information: https://hallam-diocese.com/diocesan-map/about-vocations/
