Diocese of Phoenix Office of the Diaconate

The Role of a Deacon in the Roman Catholic Church

In the first generation of the Church, the Holy Spirit led the Apostles to select seven men as "deacons" to assist the bishops, and to assume responsibility of the more secular and temporal duties.

In the centuries that followed, the Church continued to grow under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Likewise the work of the deacons evolved into three major areas: liturgical, doctrinal, and charitable.

At the Second Vatican Council, on September 29, 1964 the Council Fathers approved the restoration of the diaconate as a permanent Order, a full part of the three-fold hierarchy of Holy Orders: bishop, priest, and deacon.

On June 18, 1967, Pope Paul VI issued "Sacrum Diaconatus Ordinem," that established the permanent diaconate for the Western Church. In May of 1968 the Roman Catholic bishops of the United States petitioned the Holy See for permission to restore the diaconate in the United States. On August 30 1968 Pope Paul VI acceded to their request.

Today, in regard to the liturgical role, the deacon proclaims the Gospel, directs the prayers of the faithful, assists the celebrant at the alter and distributes Holy Communion.

In regard to the doctrinal role, teaching duties for deacons include giving instruction for initiation into the Christian community.

In regard to charity, the deacon's work consists of identifying the needs of the community and brings assistance to those in need and want.

What is the general criteria that an inquirer should be aware of when considering to answer God's call to be a Permanent Deacon?

General Criteria may be found in this document: click here

If you feel you are called to the diaconate, you should first speak to your parish Pastor, or perhaps an ordained Permanent Deacon about the calling. If you are encouraged, or if you have more questions than answers, then it is time to contact our Diaconate Program office.

Simply fill in the following form and submit it. Your information will be automatically emailed to Deacon Keith Davis, our Associate Director of Formation. Deacon Keith will then contact you.



				What is a Permanent Deacon in the Catholic Church? The Role of a Deacon in the Roman Catholic Church In the first generation of the Church, the Holy Spirit led the Apostles to select seven men as "deacons" to assist the bishops, and to assume responsibility of the more secular and temporal duties. In the centuries that followed, the Church continued to grow under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Likewise the work of the deacons evolved into three major areas: liturgical, doctrinal, and charitable. At the Second Vatican Council, on September 29, 1964 the Council Fathers approved the restoration of the diaconate as a permanent Order, a full part of the three-fold hierarchy of Holy Orders: bishop, priest, and deacon. On June 18, 1967, Pope Paul VI issued "Sacrum Diaconatus Ordinem," that established the permanent diaconate for the Western Church. In May of 1968 the Roman Catholic bishops of the United States petitioned the Holy See for permission to restore the diaconate in the United States. On August 30 1968 Pope Paul VI acceded to their request. Today, in regard to the liturgical role, the deacon proclaims the Gospel, directs the prayers of the faithful, assists the celebrant at the alter and distributes Holy Communion. In regard to the doctrinal role, teaching duties for deacons include giving instruction for initiation into the Christian community. In regard to charity, the deacon's work consists of identifying the needs of the community and brings assistance to those in need and want. What is the general criteria that an inquirer should be aware of when considering to answer God's call to be a Permanent Deacon? General Criteria may be found in this document: click here Okay, so what should I do if I think God is calling me to be a Deacon? If you feel you are called to the diaconate, you should first speak to your parish Pastor, or perhaps an ordained Permanent Deacon about the calling. If you are encouraged, or if you have more questions than answers, then it is time to contact our Diaconate Program office. Simply fill in the following form and submit it. Your information will be automatically emailed to Deacon Keith Davis, our Associate Director of Formation. Deacon Keith will then contact you. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call: (602) 354-2013. Name: Date of Birth: Address: City, State Zip: Home Phone: Mobil Phone: Email: Wife's Name: Date of Marriage: Parish: Pastor: Who encouraged you to explore a vocation to the diaconate? Briefly describe your ministry involvement:
Requests: Information On Becoming a Deacon Please Info Request Moving to our Diocese? Extern Request Diaconate Community Prayer Requests Serving Elsewhere? Certificate of Good Standing