Diaconate Office

The Sacred Order of Deacons is to be “a driving force for the Church’s service or diakonia toward the local Christian communities, and as a sign or sacrament of the Lord Christ himself, who ‘came not to be served but to serve.’ “The deacon’s ministry of service is linked with the missionary dimension of the Church: the missionary efforts of the deacon will embrace the ministry of the word, the liturgy, and works of charity which, in their turn, are carried into daily life. Mission includes witness to Christ in a secular profession or occupation.” In its renewal the Order of Deacons is permanently restored as “a living icon of Christ the Servant within the Church.” (National Directory)

From the inception of the order in Acts 6, “reputable men, filled with the Spirit and wisdom” have been called forth from the people of God that the Church may better serve those in need. The deacon is ordained to a threefold ministry of word, liturgy, and charity, and every deacon should be prepared to undertake each of these ministries in some way. The ministry of charity or service is most characteristic of the deacon. Service, however, depends on and flows out of the ministries of word and liturgy. Through word and liturgy, the deacon should lead others to the practice of charity and a commitment to pursue justice as well as experience these as a source from which he draws his own life and grace to carry out his service in charity and justice.

Deacons serve in many roles. For example, they serve in prisons and jails, hospitals and nursing homes, homeless shelters and soup kitchens, and many other places of service. All are assigned to a parish to assist in liturgy, catechesis, and proclamation of the Word.

Most work full time, outside the Church. Most are married and have children. A particular charism of the order is having a life and presence firmly planted both inside the parish and outside it. This gives the deacon a particular affinity with and ability to encourage the laity in their apostalacy.

If you are discerning a call to the Diaconate, please visit the Overview of Admissions and Formation.

Purpose

To promote the order of the Diaconate by disseminating pertinent information, selecting and training candidates, providing opportunities for continuing education, and coordinating the pastoral supervision of ordained permanent deacons. Provide support for the wives, widows and families of the deacons.

Office Information

Phone: (502) 636-0296
Fax: (502) 636-2379
Email: diaconate@archlou.org
Facebook

Address
Maloney Center
1200 South Shelby Street
Louisville, KY 40203-2600

Staff

Deacon Dennis M. Nash, Director
Deacon Mark Preischel, Associate Director of Diaconate Formation
Stephanie Sanchez, Secretary

Forms

Funeral Planning
Reimbursement

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