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Deacons

Men have been called from the beginning of the churches history to be consecrated to preach the Gospel, administer the sacraments and serve the community. For the most part, we think of priests and bishops for the calling of Holy Orders.

Although not familiar in every diocese, there is also the deacon. Deacons are men who have also been called as an official sign to be a living example to others in the Christian life. Deacons can read the Gospel, give homilies at Mass and be administers of communion. However, only a priest can administer the other sacraments.

Deacons can be married and have families. Their family life should be stable and they should have the consent of them before pursuing a life which involves commitments of this apostolic nature. Single men can also become deacons, however, when ordained, they make a promise of celibacy, similar to a priest, and may not marry.

There are two kinds of deacons: transitional and permanent. Transitional deacons are in the process of being ordained a priest. Permanent deacons are where the man ordained remains so. Both share in the Order of the Deacon.

What does a deacon do? A deacon is an ordained minister of the Church. Deacons preach and assist at liturgical celebrations (but cannot consecrate the Eucharist), baptize, witness marriages, preside at funerals, and distribute the Eucharist. Deacons do not hear confessions or anoint the sick. They are committed to serving the poor and marginalized.

What are the basic requirements to become a deacon? Someone preparing to become a deacon must be active in the Church. He may be married or single and should be between 35 and 60 at the time of ordination. He must complete an appropriate formation (preparation) program and serve in the ministries of lector and acolyte before ordination as a deacon.

Further faqs about deacons can be found posted by the Committee on the Diaconate at the webiste of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

"Every vocation is a gift from God which must be explored by prayer and merited by witness of a holy life." ~Pope John Paul II