Questions on Deacons

[Preachers12]

Peace be with you.

I know the basics of what a Deacon is and does and am thinking of attempting to become one.  There are a couple of areas I am looking for input on:

1. What is the process to be so ordained?

2. How much time do the duties entail (between my job and a growing family, time is not a luxury!)?

3. Any pros and cons from Deacons who may read this.

God Bless and stay safe.

 

 

[Malachi383]

There is a program that DITs (Deacons in Training) go through to prepare and help them discern. I know someone who has been in it for 3 years or so. I am not sure the length of the program, etc. But you do have to officially do it through the Archdiocese (or Diocese) and are ordained by the bishop after proper steps and procedures in discernment by both parties.

As to time commitments, deacons, as you know, help by preaching at masses, serving the priest in special ways, they can preside at weddings and funerals, do Eucharistic Services in the absense of a priest, communion to the sick, etc. The commitment is quite large.

I have a good friend who is in his mid-40's, has 2 kids (the latter of the two just graduated high school last year), and is still working. After discerning, he decided, and I wholeheartedly agree, that with all his present duties and such, and priorities being where they lie, that he shouldnt pursue this at the present time.


May God help you and guide you in your discernment.

God bless and love

 

[Kotton]

I read this yesterday and hoped some deacon would answer. The best I can do is give some ideas that I am aware of with my brother, who has been a deacon about 25 years. I would guess 3 years is necessary because there is a deep study of theology.

My brother was in the first group when the bishop decided to have deacons for his mostly 'rural' diocese. Being in his mid 30's and with 5 children (later 6), he was the youngest candidate. Yes, their schedule is full all the time. He usually preaches one Sunday a month in his parish, and did go to another parish every other month. At one time he was chaplin to the state prison, and is now director of the deaconate program. The wife is to be involved in her husband's ministery, and my sister-in-law works with the wives of candidates.

This is all extra to regular jobs, she teaches in the parochial school and he has a law office, helping disabled persons with applying for SSI.

He has presided at wedding vows for several members of our family, and did the entire wedding of his son. I believe he baptised his youngest daughter (now in college), and preached the homily at my mothers funeral.

Hope this gives some insight.                                             Kotton                                                     

 

[Preachers12]

Peace be with you.

Thanks for the responses. Keep them coming please! The time commitment is my largest fear.

God Bless and stay safe.

 

[VOW]

To Kotton:

How blessed everyone is to have your brother in God's service!


To Preachers:

If God is calling you to be a deacon, I fully believe HE will make the time available in your life to follow Him.


Peace be with you,
~VOW

 

[Preachers12]

Originally posted by VOW
To Kotton:

How blessed everyone is to have your brother in God's service!


To Preachers:

If God is calling you to be a deacon, I fully believe HE will make the time available in your life to follow Him.


Peace be with you,
~VOW

Vow, Peace be with you.

I have no doubts of that.  I'm sure that He led me here as part of the journey and perhaps as a way of revealing what it is He wants of me.

God Bless and stay safe.