A Note from Fr. Dan

The Permanent Diaconate

Dear Parish Family,
On Saturday, May 11, Jeff Dixe was ordained to the Permanent Diaconate; this is the same office as Deacon John has. To be Ordained a Deacon is to receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders: there are three distinct offices within Holy Orders, to become a Deacon, to become a Priest, to become a Bishop. Even though there are three offices, there is only one Sacrament. Within the office of Deacon there are two distinct types. One can be Ordained a permanent Deacon, as Jeff and John are: a permanent Deacon will remain within this office. One can be Ordained a transitional Deacon, which means that one will then be Ordained to the office of Priesthood. The word Deacon means servant, and much more. It includes the concept of Mission and companion within the Ordained Ministries of the Church. A Deacon (both permanent and transitional) has the responsibilities to proclaim the Gospel at Mass to preach; to officiate at Weddings and to perform Baptisms; a Deacon may also perform Wake Services and bury the dead. Implied in the Office of Deacon is to help the faithful better understand the Faith and assist in the Church’s ministry of Charity. Congratulations Jeff, and welcome to the fraternity of the ordained Ministers of the Church.
God bless, Fr. Dan