The Diaconate, restored after 1500 years by the Second Vatican Council, is rooted in the experience of the New Testament Church. Deacons helped the apostles to respond to the pressing needs of the members of local Churches. Deacons help the Church to remain faithful to its missions of service to Church and society. Deacons embody the ideal of every follower of Christ, reminding each of us to be “one who serves.”
Through all are servants by Baptism; the deacon is ordained as an “official servant” of Christ and the Church. In the name of Christ and the Church, the deacon makes evident the self-sacrificing love of the Lord. Deacons offer direct service to those in need, and also help church members to discover how they share in the ministries of Christ. Service is the trademark of the deacon wherever he goes.
Deacons share in the sacrament of Orders with bishops and priests. By ordination the deacon is introduced into a new relationship with the Holy Sprit. Graced for ministry, the deacon is publicly acknowledged by the Church as one who is called by God to serve the community of believers and the evangelizing mission of the Church. He shares fraternity and sacramental ministry with all the other deacons of the diocese, as well as the priests and bishops. The deacon commits himself to the responsibility of communicating God’s Word and announcing the Kingdom in and through the Church.