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 Christ the Servant and has been "configured to Christ" by the Holy Spirit with a permanent promise and gift called "an indelible character." (
CCC 1548.)
The deacon's service in and to the Church is seen clearly when the bishop alone lays hands on the candidates "thus signifying the Deacon's special attachment to the Bishop in the tasks of his 'diakonia.' "
(CCC 1569.)
"Deacons share in Christ's mission and grace in a special way. The sacrament of Holy Orders marks them with an imprint ("character") which cannot be removed and which configures them to Christ, who made himself the "deacon" or servant of all. Among other tasks, it is the task of deacons to assist the bishop and priests in the celebration of the divine mysteries, above all the Eucharist, in the distribution of Holy Communion, in assisting at and blessing marriages, in the proclamation of the Gospel and preaching, in presiding over funerals, and in dedicating themselves to the various ministries of charity." (CCC 1570.)
Deacons, "strengthened by sacramental grace they are dedicated to the People of God, in conjunction with the bishop and his body of priests, in the service (diakonia) of the liturgy, of the Gospel, and of works of charity." (Lumen Gentium 29.)
Deacons promise to live out the charism of service to God's people through the Word, Sacrament, Charity, and Justice for the rest of their lives. The role of the deacon is to proclaim by his life the Church's call to serve the needs of others. The deacon is the animator and promoter of what the community of faith must be:a community of service.
By ordination the deacon:
- Is empowered by the Holy Spirit to live a life of diaconal service.
- Is publicly 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.
- Is publicly commissioned by the Church to communicate God's word and announce 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.
What qualities does the church look for in a man who is a potential deacon candidate?
- Emotional maturity
- Personal integrity/appropriate self knowledge.
- Christian holiness/an active prayer life.
- Generosity for service already being demonstrated.
- Good physical & psychological health (both candidate and wife, if married).
- Ability to work in a team/works well with people.
- Good communication skills (both as a speaker and as a listener).
- Ability to speak publicly and proclaim the Gospel effectively.
- Need in the community for his service and leadership.
- Acceptance by the Christian community as evidenced by his ministry in the parish.
- Ability to pursue the study of theology.
