Re-established by the Second Vatican Council, the Permanent Diaconate provides an extraordinary opportunity for men, married or single, to serve the community.  As a fully ordained minister of the Church, while usually still maintaining his secular job, the Permanent Deacon is both a minister and a servant, distinguished from the lay person by the fact that he serves officially in the name of Christ in the community.

He is called to a three-fold ministry of liturgy, word and charity, with charity being the deacon’s most characteristic ministry.

Within his liturgical role he may assist the Bishop or priest during liturgy, distribute Holy Communion, administer baptism, witness and bless marriages, officiate at wakes, funerals and burial services.

As a minister of the Word he can proclaim the Gospel at Mass and preach the homily, as well as teach.

Within the ministry of charity the deacon  serves the community as he ministers to the young, the aged, the divorced, the sick in hospitals and homes, the poor, the rejected, immigrants, prisoners and addicts. – wherever there is a need in the community.