By Deacon John Kren
After Christ’s resurrection, the infant church began to grow and the Apostles, the early bishops, could no longer meet the needs of the converted Greek gentiles and the Hebrews widows. “For it is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at table.” The Greek word for serve is “diaconia”. The Deacon even today is ordained to the service of the Bishop. This early Diaconate existed for about 300 years before being suppressed about the time of the Council of Nicaea and some of the functions were added to the formation of priests.
In the concentration camps of World War II, the priests, ministering to their fellow captives, could not minister to everyone. As they made their visits they saw men
ministering to their camp members. After the war, the Second Vatican Council discussed the reinstitution of the ministry of service, and it was recognized in 1967.
Today’s Deacon is one of the three orders of ordained ministers: Bishop, Priest and Deacon. Deacons are ministers of Word, Sacrament and Charity. He is ordained by the Bishop for life with an indelible mark on his soul. He promises obedience and respect to the Bishop and his successors. The Bishop assigns Deacons most often to a parish where they offer their service. Deacon is the married clergy of the Church but cannot remarry. Because Deacons generally have families, they rely on jobs. It is said that the role Deacon is to bring the people to the church and the priest’s role is to bring the church to the people. As clergy, the Deacon can officiate at Baptisms of Children, Marriages and Wakes and Funerals. The service role of the Deacon is seen at mass as they stand close to the Bishop or priest but behind always ready to assist. The words and actions of the Deacon at mass are those that instruct such as “Let us offer one another the sign of Peace” or “Go forth the mass is ended” and preparing the altar.
Information about the Diaconate in the Diocese of Richmond is available in the Directory section the Diocesan website or talk with Deacon John