What is a deacon and how to become one
Deacons are ministers of the Word, the altar and service, they:
- Proclaim the Good News of the Gospel by their words and by the example of their lives. They help others to know Jesus through catechesis, prayer and study of the Scriptures.
- Assist the bishop and the priests in the celebration of the Mass, preside at Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals and lead communities in other liturgical services.
- Are ordained to be the sign and the driving force of the Church’s service of the world, especially of those who are poor, sick, vulnerable or marginalised. They inspire and co-ordinate the ministry of all the members of the Church who work for a more just and generous society.
Vocations to ordained ministry have to be discerned both by the individual and by the Church.
- Men who feel called to the diaconate enter a process of prayer and discernment which involves a formal application and assessment.
- Those invited by the bishop enter a preliminary year of discernment and formation, followed by three years of human, academic, spiritual and pastoral formation.
- This part-time programme involves residential weekends run by the Northern Diaconal Training Partnership at Hinsley Hall in Leeds, an online programme in partnership with Loyola University Chicago and study days and practical placements in the diocese.
- Prayer and spiritual direction are integral to the process of discernment.
Are you a Catholic single or married man aged 30 plus and preferably below the age of 60?
Are you committed to exploring what God is asking of you in your life?
Are you actively engaged in the mission of your parish?
Do you have a desire to engage in the Church’s service of the world?
Are you prepared to work for justice for the poor, the vulnerable and the marginalized in society?
Do you have good communication skills and experience in working with others?
