Why do we need deacons?
1) The complete structure of the Church requires bishops, priests, and deacons working with the religious and the laity.

2) Justice and charity are essential, not optional, dimensions of Christianity.

3) The deacon is ordained for the Service of God's People; his scope of Church mission exceeds the one of non-ordained religious and lay ecclesial ministers.

Are women deacons?
It has been the understanding of the Church, both Western and Eastern, that Jesus, never limited by cultural and other constraints, chose only men for ordination. "Deaconesses" of the early Eastern Church had specific roles such as helping with the baptism of other women but were never ordained like the deacons and had no role at the altar.

What about post-Vatican II emphasis of the laity?
The Church is communion and collaboration. Both ordained and non-ordained participation to the fullest must be promoted. See Ephesians 4.

Some deacons seem only liturgical. Why?
It is important that the deacons be visibly active in justice and charity. Most deacons are married men, fathers, and providers for their families. Unmarried deacons have their own secular profession and, usually, family responsibilities. Thus deacons serve the needs of the parish under the pastor's direction. So, for example, the deacon may be involved in preparing parents and godparents of young people for Confirmation and working with couples preparing for marriage. When the deacon presides over or participates in the celebration of these sacraments, his roles is not "only liturgical" but rather as one who has been working with his fellow believers and now is helping them to celebrate worthily these special moments of God's grace.

Why do candidates spend so long in studies?
Diaconal formation lasts five years in a major seminary-without-walls with different aspects or dimensions: human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral. Spiritually, there is growth in the life of prayer and knowledge of the riches of the Church's spiritual traditions. Academically, the whole gamut of theological studies (Doctrine, Scripture, Morals, Church History, Canon Law) takes place as well as Homiletics (preaching) and communication skills. Pastorally, there is practical experience of leadership in service and ministry under the supervision of the pastor or another experienced minister. And after ordination, lifetime on-going formation is mandatory. This way competency is ensured.

Do deacons participate in parish staff meetings?
The deacon is not a mini-priest or a glorified layman. He is a minister who participates to the fullest in the mission and activities of his place of assignment. Clusters and parishes have some meetings in the evening ot accommodate working deacons. Good communication about what has happened at daytime meetings is also critical.

How are deacons identified?
Deacons carry an official diocesan identification card. Outside of liturgy in church where vesture is regulated by rubrics, they do not wear the Roman "clergyman" suit and collar. They wear ordinary civilian attire appropriate to their life station and work, and usually a distinctive identifying pin or cross.

How are deacons assigned?
Assignments are made by the Bishop according to diocesan needs and the strengths of specific deacons. In our Diocese, consultation among the deacon, pastor, and episcopal vicar takes place before assignment. Most deacons are assigned to their home parishes. The same sharing of resources and personnel that sustains the clustering process would apply here.

What about the deacon's family?
Most deacons are married. A deacon's wife plays a key role of support during his years of formation and after ordination. Opportunities will be offered for the couple's growth and enrichment. Appreciation and affirmation will be extended to the deacon's wife or widow at all times. But there is no obligation for the deacon's family to be also in active ministry.