What are permanent deacons?
In the Church of tomorrow, do you foresee an important role for permanent deacons? What are the responsibilities of a deacon?
Through his ordination, a deacon ceases to be a layman and becomes a member of the clergy. However, he retains something of his former state, so as to exercise his ministry in the middle of human society.
Permanent deacons exemplify the Church's mission to serve among people, like Christ Himself, especially among the most spiritually destitute. As the bishop's helpers, they accomplish the tasks he entrusts them, like caring for the sick, prisoners, remarried divorcees, young people, the poor, etc. Their participation in the liturgy and their preaching are inspired by their ministry and keep it active.
Most of them are married, have a job and serve as a bridge between the Church and human society.
On the occasion of the Second Vatican Council, the Church has restored the permanent diaconate, which existed in the Catholic Church until the 11th century. We are in the first years of this renewal. It is a new era, full of promises for permanent deacons.