Michael Brooks
The diaconate is an order of ministry in the Catholic Church, with deacons being ordained as a sacramental sign to the Church and to the world of Christ, who came to serve and not to be served. Deacons are not permitted to perform sacred mysteries (sacraments) on their own, except for Baptism in extremis. There are two types of deacons: transitional deacons, who are on their way to being ordained to the priesthood, and permanent deacons, who are not being formed for the priesthood but to be ordained deacons permanently. Transitional deacons are seminarians, while permanent deacons often have secular jobs and are allowed to be married.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of deacon | Transitional, Permanent |
| Transitional deacons | Men who are on their way to be ordained to the priesthood |
| Transitional deacons go to seminary? | Yes |
| Permanent deacons | Men who are not being formed for the priesthood but to be ordained a deacon permanently |
| Permanent deacons go to seminary? | No |
| Age | Transitional deacons: 23 years or older, Permanent deacons: 25 years or older for single men, 35 years or older for married men |
| Marital status | Transitional deacons: unmarried, Permanent deacons: married or unmarried |
| Profession | Transitional deacons: N/A, Permanent deacons: Secular jobs |
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What You'll Learn
Transitional vs. permanent deacons
In the Catholic Church, there are two ways of fulfilling the order of deacons: as a "'transitional' deacon" or as a "'permanent' deacon". A transitional deacon is a man who is on his way to being ordained to the priesthood. As a seminarian, he is typically ordained a deacon a year before being ordained a priest. This transitional period serves as an internship, during which the deacon continues his final studies for the priesthood and gains practical experience by serving in a parish.
Transitional deacons are obligated to fulfill the liturgy of the hours daily and make a promise of celibacy at the time of their ordination. They are assigned by the bishop to a parish for a term of three months to a year. They have the faculty to baptize, officiate at simple nuptial ceremonies, and conduct the Rite of Committal at the cemetery following a funeral. However, they cannot hear confessions, anoint the sick, or confirm.
On the other hand, a permanent deacon is a man who is not studying to become a priest but is ordained to be a deacon permanently. Permanent deacons often have secular jobs and are allowed to be married. They are typically ordained and practice their diaconal ministry at their home parishes indefinitely. About 90% of permanent deacons are married, and they are permitted to have families. They are especially valuable in areas with a shortage of priests, where they can assist bishops and preside over various religious services.
While there are differences between transitional and permanent deacons, they share some similarities. Both types of deacons make a promise to obey their bishop and his successors. Additionally, all deacons wear an alb and a stole for liturgical functions and a dalmatic for solemn occasions.
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Qualifications for becoming a deacon
To become a Catholic deacon, one must meet several requirements. Firstly, candidates must be practising, baptised members of the Roman Catholic Church, with at least a high school education and the ability to learn in a structured academic environment. A college degree is preferred by some dioceses. Candidates should be at least 30 years old when entering the programme, though other sources state that deacons must be at least 35 years old.
Secondly, candidates must satisfy certain marriage requirements. If married, the Church must recognise the marriage, and the candidate must have their spouse's consent. If divorced, they must seek an annulment, and if single or widowed, they must lead a life of celibacy. Deacons with wives are expected to have them attend classes during the discernment year, and they may be interviewed as part of the application process.
Thirdly, candidates must be in good physical and mental health, with proven stability in their secular employment and family life. They must have a secure and clear identity and a healthy self-image.
Fourthly, candidates must compile and submit various documents, including a certificate of baptism, confirmation of marriage (if applicable), proof of age, a recent photograph, letters of recommendation, medical records, academic transcripts, background checks, and proof of legal residency.
Once all the required documents have been submitted, the diocesan diaconate committee will review and make a decision. If the applicant is deemed ready, the bishop will make the final decision. Candidates may also be required to participate in workshops, training, and a psychological evaluation.
It is important to note that these requirements may vary slightly between different dioceses and parishes, and interested individuals should consult their local diocese for specific information.
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The role of a deacon
A deacon is an ordained minister of the Catholic Church. They are the ministers of the Word, Sacrament, and Charity. Deacons are ordained as a sacramental sign to the Church and to the world of Christ, who came "to serve and not to be served".
Deacons are leaders in identifying the needs of others and marshalling the Church's resources to meet those needs. They are dedicated to eliminating the injustices or inequities that cause such needs. Deacons are often assigned to a parish, where they minister under the supervision of the pastor. They are assigned by the bishop to ministries where the deacon may have special gifts or talents.
Deacons participate in their local bishop's ministry but do not serve as Christ the head. They serve in persona Christi servi, which means Christ the servant.
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Deacons and celibacy
Deacons are ordained ministers of the Catholic Church. They are ordained as a sacramental sign to the Church and to the world of Christ, who came "to serve and not to be served". There are three groups or "orders" of ordained ministers in the Church: bishops, presbyters, and deacons. Deacons serve in persona Christi servi, which means "Christ the servant".
There are two types of deacons: transitional deacons and permanent deacons. A transitional deacon is a man who is on his way to becoming ordained to the priesthood. As a seminarian, he is typically ordained a deacon a year before being ordained a priest. On the other hand, a permanent deacon is a man who is ordained a deacon permanently and not in preparation for priesthood ordination. Married men may become permanent deacons and have families, and they often work in secular jobs in addition to their diaconal roles.
The Second Vatican Council (1962–1965) authorized the restoration of the diaconate as a permanent order of ministry. The Council decreed that the diaconate could be opened to "mature married men," later clarified to mean men over the age of 35. This is in keeping with the ancient tradition of the Church, in which married men were ordained into ministry.
While a married man may be ordained as a deacon, an ordained man whose wife dies may not marry again without special permission. Celibacy affects every deacon, married or unmarried. Understanding the nature of celibacy is essential for a married deacon, as it strengthens and nurtures his commitment to marital chastity and prepares him for the possibility of living in celibate chastity if his wife dies.
There is some debate about the requirement of celibacy for deacons. Some sources state that married deacons are not celibate but are called to "perfect continence," which is distinct from celibacy. Other sources suggest that celibacy is expected of all deacons, even those who are married. However, it is clear that celibacy is a concern unique to the diaconate, and deacons need to appreciate the impact that celibacy can have on their lives and ministry.
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Deacons' secular jobs
Permanent deacons often have secular jobs and are allowed to be married. They are not in the process of becoming priests but are instead ordained as deacons permanently. Permanent deacons are often married men with families who work secular jobs in addition to their diaconal duties.
During the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965), the Church Council Fathers acknowledged the need for new ways to proclaim Christ to the world. The council restored the diaconate as a permanent order of ministry, opening it to "mature married men," later clarified as men over 35.
Deacons are assigned by the bishop to ministries where they perceive a great need and for which the deacon may have special gifts or talents. Most often, this will be within a parish setting, just as most priests serve in a parish. Deacons assist priests in their pastoral and administrative duties, but they often report directly to the bishops of their diocese. They have a distinctive role in the liturgy of the Eastern and Western Churches.
Some examples of secular jobs held by permanent deacons include software development, teaching, and engineering.
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Frequently asked questions
Deacons are ordained ministers of the Catholic Church. They are servants in a servant-Church and are called to functions of Word, Sacrament, and Charity.
A transitional deacon is a man who is on his way to becoming ordained as a priest. They are usually ordained a deacon a year before being ordained as a priest. Permanent deacons, on the other hand, are not in training to become priests but are ordained as deacons permanently. They often have secular jobs and are allowed to be married.
Deacons must be at least 35 years old and practicing, baptized members of the Roman Catholic Church. If they were baptized as an adult, they must have belonged to the church for at least five years prior to being ordained. Deacons must also satisfy certain marriage requirements. If married, the Church must recognize the marriage, and the deacon must receive consent from their wife.
During Mass, deacons assist the priest, proclaim the Gospel, announce the General Intercessions, and distribute Communion. They may also preach the homily and preside over funeral rites outside of Mass.
Transitional deacons, who are on the path to becoming priests, attend seminary. Permanent deacons, on the other hand, often have secular jobs and may be married.
