News:

Permanent Diaconate

"The time was ripe at the Second Vatican Council, which considered the proposals of the preceding years and decided on its reestablishment (cf. LG 29). Pope Paul VI later implemented the decision, determining the complete canonical and liturgical discipline for this Order.

There were two main reasons for the theologians' proposals and the conciliar and papal decisions. First of all, it was considered fitting that certain charitable services, guaranteed in a stable way by laymen conscious of being called to the Church's Gospel mission, should be concretely expressed in a form recognized by virtue of an official consecration. It was also necessary to provide for the scarcity of priests, as well as to assist them in many responsibilities not directly connected to their pastoral ministry. Some saw the permanent diaconate as a bridge between pastors and the faithful.

A deeply felt need in the decision to reestablish the permanent diaconate was and is that of a greater and more direct presence of Church ministers in the various spheres of the family, work, school, etc., in addition to existing pastoral structures."

- Pope John Paul II
Deacons Serve the Kingdom of God. General Audience - October 6, 1993

To be a Deacon a man must have the talent and determination to dedicate himself to three-fold service: Word, Charity, and Altar. Above all, the Permanent Deacon is to be an animator. As such his role is to remind his brothers and sisters of what each of us, by reason of our baptism, should be doing as members of the Church and, given our God-given gifts, what we should continually strive to become.

If you feel God is calling you to the Permanent Diaconate, the first step is to contact Father Ted Dudzinski, the Episcopal Vicar for more information. If after further inquiry you still feel called then you should enroll in the Ecclesial Lay Ministry certification program. Information about that program can be obtained by contacting the Pastoral Office for Formation at (765) 474-6644. Ask to speak with Anne Roat.

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©2008 Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana