Questions and Answers

What is the Diaconate?

The Diaconate is a distinct order within the ordained ministry of the Church (bishop, priests, deacons).  The Diaconate as a permanent order was restored by the Second Vatican Council.  Previous to this and for many centuries, the Diaconate was only a temporary "stepping stone" to the priesthood.  This has changed, and now the Diaconate is one order.

What is the role of the deacon?

The essential role of the deacon is the same as that of a bishop and priest, and that is to lead the Church in carrying out its mission by coordinating all its other ministries and services.  A deacon assists the bishop and priest and proclaims by his life the Church's call to serve the needs of others in the diocese.

What does a deacon actually do?

A deacon participates in the Service of the Word, Service of the Altar, and Service of Charity which are all linked to serving the People of God.

The Service of the Word is quite far-ranging and may include,  besides proclaiming the Gospel and articulating the Church's need in the general intercessions at the Liturgy, preaching, offering catechetical instruction, counseling, instructing catechumens, giving retreats, conducting parish renewal programs, and reaching out to alienated Catholics.  There is also an informal dimension to this ministry of the Word.  Deacons have many opportunities to speak about Jesus and His Gospel as they carry out their ministry while at home, work in the marketplace and participate in civic life.

The Service of the Altar centers, above all, on the Eucharist, but includes other sacraments as well.  The deacons' role in the Eucharist-in addition to proclaiming the Gospel, articulating the Church's need is the General Intercessions-is to prepare the gifts and distribute communion at the Lord's table.  Moreover, the deacon may solemnly baptize children and adults, witness marriages in the name of the Church, bring Viaticum to the dying, and preside over wakes, funerals, and burial services.  He may also preside over liturgies of the Word, the Liturgy of the Hours and exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.  He may lead non-sacramental reconciliation services, conduct prayer services for the sick and dying, and administer certain of the Church's sacramentals.

The Service of Charity is as extensive as are human needs.  Deacons minister in hospitals and prisons serving the sick and prisoners.  They visit the homebound and people in nursing homes.  They serve the mentally ill, the chemically dependent, the abused and the battered, the old and the young, the abandoned, the dying, and the bereaved, immigrants, and refugees and the victims of racial and ethnic discrimination. 

Is a deacon a lay person?

No.  All deacons are ordained clerics.

What can a deacon do that a lay person cannot?

A deacon can do the following which the lay person cannot:

• Proclaim the Gospel
• Preach
• Prepare the Gifts for the Offertory
• Baptize children and adults
• Witness and validate marriages in the name of the Church
• Administer certain of the Church's sacraments
• Carry out the duties of an Ordinary Minster of the Eucharist

Is the deacon a "mini priest"?

No. As Pope Paul stated in his encyclical Lumen Gentium the deacon is "ordained not unto the ministerial priesthood, but unto a ministry of service."  So, while the deacon carries out a sacramental ministry in which he collaborates in the discharge of priestly functions (e.g., baptize, preach, witness and validate marriages), his ministry is not priestly, but properly diaconal.

Is the Diaconate program the same for every class?

Not always.  Constant evaluation of the academic and spiritual formation portions of the program are always ongoing.  At times, appropriate restructuring takes place in order to best serve the candidates before ordination, the deacon after ordination and the people to whom he ministers.  The Bishop identifies ministries where a deacon would be vital to his diocese.  As the Bishop continues to identify new areas of need, the deacon who has committed himself to a range of services within the diocese, must also commit himself to integrating his gifts and skills into those changing needs.

What are the minimum qualifications needed for a man to apply to the Diaconate?

• Be fully initiated (Baptized, First Eucharist, and Confirmed) into the Roman Catholic Church.
• Practice the faith, including regular reception of the Eucharist.
• Live in accord with the laws and teachings of the Church.
• Be a United States Citizen.
• Be registered and actively involved with a parish in the Diocese of Worcester for at least five years.
• Be recommended by his pastor.
• Be approved by the Director of the Diaconate.
• Have good moral qualities and active prayer life.
• If married, be in a marriage recognized as valid by the Church for at least five years.
• Understand that deacons are not permitted to marry after ordination.
• His wife must agree completely with the decision to enter the program.
• Both he and his wife must undergo psychological testing.
• Converts of faith will be accepted only after five years have passed from their acceptance into the Church.
• Be between the ages of 31 and 60 years at the time of acceptance into the program.
• Be free from mental and physical deficiencies that would prevent one from fulfilling ministry effectively.
• Be desirous of dedicating himself to a life of service.
• Have a college degree or equivalent.

What will the size of each recruiting class be?

The classes typically vary in size from 5 to 15 candidates.

How long does it take for a candidate to complete the Formation Program?

• The period of Formation takes five years.
• The initial discernment process runs two evenings per week from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Wives must attend the discernment period.

What does the formation program actually involve?

The program will involve academic, spiritual, pastoral and personal formation.  If a candidate is married and has children, they may also be involved in some aspects of the program to enable them to fully understand the role of a deacon in service to the diocese. Online education requires modifications to the curriculum. 

Classes usually meet from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for spiritual formation followed by the academic time frame of 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  This occurs on weekday evenings.  
 

How can you inquire about applying for the Diaconate?

Your inquiry will begin a process of dialogue and communication between you and the Office of the Diaconate and its staff.  You will be guided along the necessary steps to eventually discern if the Diaconate is actually a calling to which you think you must respond.

The Diaconate Selection Committee will review all the required paperwork, evaluate interviews facilitated by the Selection Committee, recommend candidates to the Bishop, and notify applicants of final decisions.