Deacons

FAQs About Deacons

My parish cannot afford an assistant priest but I need help. May I request a deacon?

The deacon's primary ministry involves serving the poor, sick, weak and lonely, usually outside the church. The deacon's role in an assigned parish is to encourage and model the ministry of service that every Christian promised at baptism, and to represent the service of all Christians through the deacon's liturgical role. Expectations for a deacon are quite different from the expectations for a priest or even a transitional deacon engaged in parish ministry.

How do I request to have a deacon assigned to my parish?

A request may be made in writing to Bishop Ahrens' office. A conversation will take place to explore the parish's expectations vs. the expectations of deacons in this diocese. The bishop's assignment of deacons depends on geography, special circumstances and demand. Currently, with only 27 active deacons, the demand is greater than the supply.

Who supervises deacons?

Deacons are directly accountable to Bishop Ahrens. In a parish, the deacon is supervised by the priest in charge. Expectations for the deacon's assignment are detailed in an agreement signed by the deacon, priest and bishop. (See sample Letter of Agreement.) Priest and deacon meet at least monthly for supervision. Deacons report to Bishop Ahrens in writing at least twice a year.

Do deacons preach?

Deacons are permitted to preach occasionally on subjects related to servant ministry and the needs of the world. Some deacons are more comfortable than others with this role.

May a deacon lead worship when I am away?

Deacons lead prayer offices, as lay persons may also do. "Deacon's masses," where the deacon serves communion from the reserve sacrament in the absence of a priest (BCP p. 408), are not permitted in this diocese. Deacons do not preside at weddings or baptisms, but may preside at burials.

If a parishioner wants to know more about becoming a deacon, where should I refer him or her?

The first step in the process is the completion of the Ministry Exploration and Education Program (MEEP). Inquiries about MEEP go to Bishop Curry's office. Bishop Ahrens oversees the process for MEEP graduates who aspire to the Diaconate. Brochures describing MEEP and a Diaconate Discernment Manual are available online and from the bishops' offices.

Adapted from an article written by Deacon Jan O'Leary in the December 2001 issue of Fanning the Embers.