...a distinct program that addresses specifically the mission and identity of diaconal ministry while educating men for the three-fold ministry

of service to the Word, Liturgy and Charity.

humility

 

 

(Candidates in formation, as well as permanent deacons upon ordination) ... are charged to shape a way of life always according to the example of Christ and to imitate Christ who came not to be served but to serve. Therefore, deacons are called to a simple lifestyle that embodies Church teaching and embraces humility in word and action. Simplicity of life enables a cleric “to stand beside the underprivileged, to practice solidarity with their efforts to create a more just society, to be more sensitive and capable of understanding and discerning realities involving the economic and social aspects of life, and to promote a preferential option for the poor.” The prophetic significance of this lifestyle, “so urgently needed in affluent and consumeristic societies,” is its important witness in animating the diakonia of every Christian to serve “especially those who are poor or in any way afflicted.”

 

National Directory for the Formation, Ministry, and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States, paragraph 64

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Permanent deacons are public people in constant view of inquisitive minds. Many times, whether in good taste or not, they are placed under a microscope by the viewing public. Their example of living a virtuous life, both in word and deed, is keenly observed. By being called to a life of visible virtue in the image of Christ and in communion with Church teaching, candidates in formation and the ordained must reflect openly the official teachings of the Church. This especially includes the call to observe all marriage laws of the Church, be teachers and living examples of correct positive natural law and Catholic Christian moral teaching, and faithfully observe the call to chastity within both the married and single state—lives of moral integrity and transparency.

 

When one reflects upon the Order of Deacons, it is worthwhile to recall the words from the ordination ritual of deacons:

 

Like those once chosen by the Apostles for the ministry of charity, you should be men of good reputation, filled with wisdom and the Holy Spirit. Firmly rooted and grounded in faith, you are to show yourselves chaste and beyond reproach before God and man, as is proper for the ministers of Christ and the stewards of God’s mysteries. Never allow yourselves to be turned away from the hope offered by the Gospel. Now you are not only hearers of this Gospel but also its ministers. Holding the mystery of faith with a clear conscience, express by your actions the Word of God which your lips proclaim, so that the Christian people, brought to life by the Spirit, may be a pure offering accepted by God. Then on the last day, when you go out to meet the Lord you will be able to hear him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord.”

 

National Directory for the Formation, Ministry, and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States, paragraph 40

 

You may view the IDS catalog via the Catalog link.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Archdiocese of Chicago

Permanent

Deacons