I applaud the idea to revision the diaconate in the US. I agree that it is a ministry in search of an identity. I want to mention two things, drawing from my own experience. My dad has been a permanent deacon in the Diocese of Saint Cloud for nearly two decades. Even though he is a product of St. John's theology (Collegeville) he has a g…
I applaud the idea to revision the diaconate in the US. I agree that it is a ministry in search of an identity. I want to mention two things, drawing from my own experience. My dad has been a permanent deacon in the Diocese of Saint Cloud for nearly two decades. Even though he is a product of St. John's theology (Collegeville) he has a great affinity for younger priests who have a more "traditionalist" mindset. Why? He is not welcome among the old guard. Ordained priests from the 70's through mid 90's have repeatedly told him: I don't want you on the altar. I have no need for a deacon. On the other hand, younger priests weclome his presence, both at the altar and in the parish office. Such reversal speaks to the poor theology of older ordained clergy.
Secondly, I want to offer a distinct ministry for married deacons: marriage and family ministry. So many diocesan and parish programs fall short. Who better to minister to families and speak to the sacramentality of marriage and the domestic church than a married, ordained deacon living that life every day? While many priests can beautifully articulate the graces of marriage and family, they cannot fully speak to the lived experience of spousal love and parenthood—the joys, challenges, and struggles—like an actual husband or parent can. I’ve often seen priests struggle to connect with these realities in a meaningful way, but permanent deacons, especially those who are parents, bring a unique and invaluable perspective.
I applaud the idea to revision the diaconate in the US. I agree that it is a ministry in search of an identity. I want to mention two things, drawing from my own experience. My dad has been a permanent deacon in the Diocese of Saint Cloud for nearly two decades. Even though he is a product of St. John's theology (Collegeville) he has a great affinity for younger priests who have a more "traditionalist" mindset. Why? He is not welcome among the old guard. Ordained priests from the 70's through mid 90's have repeatedly told him: I don't want you on the altar. I have no need for a deacon. On the other hand, younger priests weclome his presence, both at the altar and in the parish office. Such reversal speaks to the poor theology of older ordained clergy.
Secondly, I want to offer a distinct ministry for married deacons: marriage and family ministry. So many diocesan and parish programs fall short. Who better to minister to families and speak to the sacramentality of marriage and the domestic church than a married, ordained deacon living that life every day? While many priests can beautifully articulate the graces of marriage and family, they cannot fully speak to the lived experience of spousal love and parenthood—the joys, challenges, and struggles—like an actual husband or parent can. I’ve often seen priests struggle to connect with these realities in a meaningful way, but permanent deacons, especially those who are parents, bring a unique and invaluable perspective.