This timely book provides the general reader with a clear, succinct introduction to the diaconate and addresses the perplexing and commonly-asked questions and myths that have been raised about deacons, their sacramental identity, their functions, and their relationships. Although the position of deacon was commonplace in the early church, the order became a transitional one from the 6th century until Vatican II reinstated the post of "permanent" deacon in the late 1960s. Since then, the diaconate rapidly became the fastest growing of all church vocations. While many Catholics are aware of deacons, most have very little idea why the diaconate was renewed as a permanent order of ordained ministry or even why deacons exist! In addition, more than 90% of deacons are married, which adds to the confusion of Catholics who have only experienced a celibate clergy. Now they are presented with a predominantly married clergy involved in the leadership and service of the Church. This book answers such commonly asked questions as: Just who and what is a deacon? After all these centuries, what led the Council to restore the diaconate as a permanent order of ministry? What sort of training and formation do deacons receive? How does a deacon balance family, job, and ordained ministry? Can a deacon be pastor of a parish? Taken together, these questions explore the role of deacons in the contemporary church, the formation of deacons, what it is like to live as a deacon, and the role of deacons as ministers of the word, the liturgy, and as apostolic leaders in service.

101 Questions and Answers On Deacons

Religion & Spirituality

Ditewig, William T.

Christian Books & Bibles

Paulist Press

Sketches the current state of the permanent diaconate, especially in the United States, then offers the historical developments which led to the contemporary diaconate, and finally, suggests a vision of the diaconate for the future, always within the matrix of a servant-ecclesiology which should characterize the entire Church.

The Emerging Diaconate: Servant Leaders in a Servant Church

Health, Fitness & Dieting

Psychology & Counseling

'....A step-by-step pastoral guide for deacons and all those concerned with the liturgy, this book looks at everything a deacon must do, may do, and may never do, and offers solid theological and practical rationale for each....'-from the back cover.

The Deacon at Mass: A Theological and Pastoral Guide

Paulist Pr

This second edition of The Deacon at Mass situates the role of the Deacon at Liturgy based on the new General Instruction on the Roman Missal (GIRM). A step-by-step handbook for deacons through the eucharistic celebration, this text looks at everything a deacon must do (read the gospel), may do (preach a homily), and may never do (sing the concluding doxology). Study questions follow each chapter. Noteworthy in the second edition: *The original edition had the benefit of drawing on the new GIRM, and while nothing in the GIRM has changed, we have the added benefit of the final English translations. *Questions raised by readers and reviewers of the original edition are answered. *An expanded introduction addresses specific issues related to the preparation and translation of liturgical books in general, and each subsequent chapter now includes references and guidance related to the approved English translation.

The Deacon at Mass: A Theological and Pastoral Guide; Second Edition

Spanish translation of Women Deacons.+

Mujeres diáconos: Pasado, presente, futuro (Spanish Edition)

Macy, Gary

Zagano, Phyllis

Courageous humility is a humility that takes risks, investing the talents and strengths God has given us for the good of others. The reflections revolve around that call: “Be strong and courageous!” Chapter One grounds the project in the Trinity, the core dogma of the Church. From the earliest days of the Church, humility has been seen as the heart of Christian communal life, so Chapter Two examines the classic insights on humility from St. Benedict and his groundbreaking Rule. Humility should be the foundation of all the various external structures we create to support our mission of evangelization. Chapter Three offers some suggestions on ecclesial structural reform. Building on these foundational chapters, the succeeding chapters focus on the diaconate within this context of ecclesial humility. Chapter Four discusses the sacramentality of the diaconate. Chapter Five suggests revisions to the Code of Canon Law vis-à-vis the diaconate, and Chapter Six recommends developments in the liturgy of diaconal ordination. Chapter Seven responds to some of the recurring issues of the diaconate, and Chapter Eight discusses how the Church may tap the full potential of the renewed diaconate. †

Courageous Humility: Reflections on the Church, Diakonia, and Deacons

The deacon's exercise of charity and justice extends the loving hand of God's constant love and mercy to all who are in need. The Vatican's Congregation for Catholic Education has called this work “the ministry most characteristic of the deacon." In The Deacon’s Ministry of Charity and Justice, Deacon William Ditewig focuses on this ministry as a constitutive element of the nature of the Church itself—always flowing from the ministries of Word and Sacrament and leading back to them, never apart from them. Along with a rich exploration of the scriptural, historical, and theological foundation of the deacon's practice of charity and justice, Deacon Ditewig—one of today's foremost experts on the permanent diaconate—develops specific and concrete principles for exercising these ministries faithfully, authentically, and effectively. The Deacon’s Ministry series explores the three fundamental diaconal ministries identified in the teaching of Vatican II: those of the liturgy, of the word, and of charity to the people of God (Lumen Gentium 29). This series, written by three highly regarded permanent deacons, offers a rich combination of theology, spirituality, and practical and effective guidance. Deacons and those in diaconal formation, their families, the bishops and priests they work with, and the people they serve will welcome it.

The Deacon's Ministry of Charity and Justice

Liturgical Press

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Books by Ditewig, William T.