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WHO ARE DEACONS?
Permanent deacons are mature men, aged over 35, married or celibate, who by virtue of their ordination are members of the clergy. The word ‘Deacon’ means servant. “A deacon is ordained to assist the bishop, and work with his priests,
as part of the three fold ancient ministry of the Church.
The deacon’s ministry has a triple focus:
(1) of the Word – proclaiming, preaching and teaching,
(2) of the Altar – in Liturgy, and
(3) of Charity – in care of the poor and needy, the laying on of hands
in activating the Social Teaching of the church, in administration etc.”
(Catechism of the Catholic Church 1571)
THE FIRST DEACONS
The ministry of deacons is best understood by reading Acts 6: 2- 6.
SERVANT TO ALL
Deacons proclaim the Gospel, preach, assist at Mass, administer the sacrament of Baptism, and officiate at weddings and funerals. A deacon seeks to be a man of prayer, humility, and kindness, trying to conform himself to Jesus’ teaching, “Whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:43-45).
DO YOU HAVE A VOCATION TO THE PERMANENT DIACONATE?
If your answer is 'Yes' to these questions, then God may be calling you to serve the Church as a permanent deacon.
THE NEXT STEP
If you feel that God may be calling you to this ministry, then please pray about it. Applying to become a deacon is not the same as applying for a secular job or profession, but involves you and the Church - particularly your bishop - discerning whether or not God is calling you to serve his Church as a deacon. This process of discernment takes time and commitment on both sides. Initially you should discuss your possible calling with your wife (if you are married) and your Parish Priest before moving forward.
PROPAEDEUTIC YEAR
As series of three sessions is held at St. Mary's College, Oscott, spread throughout the year. These aim to help men (and their wives) better understand and discern whether God is calling them to serve him as deacons in his Church.
FORMATION
There is a four year course of part-time study at Oscott Seminary designed to give the knowledge, competencies and skills to serve as a deacon. It is also to form, by the grace of God, candidates into an icon of Christ the Servant. Besides study, there are practical internships in their own and another parish, to help men to gain the practical, pastoral and liturgical skills that will be needed once ordained.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please contact the Director of the Permanent Diaconate:
Fr. Harry Curtis
E-mail: sjtwcov@gmail.com
Phone: 024 76419111
www.permanentdiaconate-archdioceseofbirmingham.org.uk
Permanent deacons are mature men, aged over 35, married or celibate, who by virtue of their ordination are members of the clergy. The word ‘Deacon’ means servant. “A deacon is ordained to assist the bishop, and work with his priests,
as part of the three fold ancient ministry of the Church.
The deacon’s ministry has a triple focus:
(1) of the Word – proclaiming, preaching and teaching,
(2) of the Altar – in Liturgy, and
(3) of Charity – in care of the poor and needy, the laying on of hands
in activating the Social Teaching of the church, in administration etc.”
(Catechism of the Catholic Church 1571)
THE FIRST DEACONS
The ministry of deacons is best understood by reading Acts 6: 2- 6.
SERVANT TO ALL
Deacons proclaim the Gospel, preach, assist at Mass, administer the sacrament of Baptism, and officiate at weddings and funerals. A deacon seeks to be a man of prayer, humility, and kindness, trying to conform himself to Jesus’ teaching, “Whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:43-45).
DO YOU HAVE A VOCATION TO THE PERMANENT DIACONATE?
- Are you a Catholic man aged between 30 – late 50s?
- Do you love the Catholic Church?
- Do you have a deep prayer life?
- Are you actively involved in your parish?
- Do you have a desire to serve the Church?
- Do you live by the teachings of the Church?
- Do you care about justice for the poor, vulnerable and marginalised in society?
- Do you want to learn how to teach, explain, and defend the Catholic faith?
- Do you eagerly participate in the celebration of Mass, and regularly seek healing in the Sacrament of Reconciliation?
- Do you feel called to follow Jesus even more closely?
If your answer is 'Yes' to these questions, then God may be calling you to serve the Church as a permanent deacon.
THE NEXT STEP
If you feel that God may be calling you to this ministry, then please pray about it. Applying to become a deacon is not the same as applying for a secular job or profession, but involves you and the Church - particularly your bishop - discerning whether or not God is calling you to serve his Church as a deacon. This process of discernment takes time and commitment on both sides. Initially you should discuss your possible calling with your wife (if you are married) and your Parish Priest before moving forward.
PROPAEDEUTIC YEAR
As series of three sessions is held at St. Mary's College, Oscott, spread throughout the year. These aim to help men (and their wives) better understand and discern whether God is calling them to serve him as deacons in his Church.
FORMATION
There is a four year course of part-time study at Oscott Seminary designed to give the knowledge, competencies and skills to serve as a deacon. It is also to form, by the grace of God, candidates into an icon of Christ the Servant. Besides study, there are practical internships in their own and another parish, to help men to gain the practical, pastoral and liturgical skills that will be needed once ordained.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please contact the Director of the Permanent Diaconate:
Fr. Harry Curtis
E-mail: sjtwcov@gmail.com
Phone: 024 76419111
www.permanentdiaconate-archdioceseofbirmingham.org.uk
The Vocations Office is part of the Archdiocese of Birmingham: Registered Charity No. 234216
© 2018 Diocesan Vocations Office, Archdiocese of Birmingham
© 2018 Diocesan Vocations Office, Archdiocese of Birmingham