The permanent diaconate, restored by the Second Vatican Council and Saint Paul VI, is the first degree of the sacrament of Holy Orders lived as a lifelong ministry, open to married and unmarried men. The Catechism describes the deacon as ordained 'not unto the priesthood, but unto the ministry', configured to Christ the Servant for the threefold ministry of the word, the liturgy and charity. A deacon proclaims the Gospel and preaches, baptises, witnesses marriages, presides at funerals and blessings, assists at the altar, and gives himself to the works of charity — usually while continuing his job and family life. Discerning it is a discernment for the man and, if he is married, for his wife and family with him.

What you need

• A stable life of faith, prayer and the sacraments, and active service in your parish
• If married, a stable marriage and your wife's free consent; if single, the readiness to embrace lifelong celibacy
• The age and freedom the Church requires (see the requirements step) and the health and capacity for several years of study
• The support of your pastor, who will be asked to recommend you

When to pray it

Daily, with the Liturgy of the Hours if you can begin it now — deacons are bound to pray Morning and Evening Prayer — and Mass as often as possible.

Steps

1. 1

   Step 1: Understand what a deacon does

   Read the Catechism's paragraphs on the diaconate and the USCCB's National Directory for the Formation, Ministry and Life of Permanent Deacons if you can find it. The deacon serves the word (proclaiming the Gospel, preaching, catechesis), the liturgy (assisting the priest at Mass, baptising, witnessing marriages, presiding at funerals outside Mass, exposition and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, blessings), and charity (the poor, the sick, prisoners, the parish's works of mercy), and is meant to be a bridge between the altar and the world of work and family. He does not celebrate Mass, hear confessions or anoint the sick.

Tips

• A deacon is not a 'mini-priest' nor a super-volunteer; he is ordained for service, and the parish should already see him serving.
• Your wife is not an appendix to your discernment. Most programs involve wives in formation, and her consent is required by canon law; discern together from the start.
• The ordinary path takes four to six years from inquiry to ordination; if that feels too long, ask what the hurry is.
• Your bishop, not you, assigns your ministry after ordination; discernment includes a willingness to serve where you are sent.

Related practices

• Spiritual Direction

Related saints

• Saint Stephen
• Saint Lawrence
• Saint Francis of Assisi