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In this past Sunday’s First reading, we have the Acts of the Apostles, where St. Luke provides a clear account of the origin of the permanent Deacon.  It is in Acts, 6:1-7, that seven men were chosen to serve as deacons.

St. Luke states: “Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists murmured against the Hebrews because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.   And the twelve summoned the body of disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables.  Therefore, brethren, pick out among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this duty . . . . These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands upon them” (Acts 6:1-3; 6).  One of the first chosen was Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit who would shortly be arrested and stoned to death, becoming the first Christian martyr. 

The Greek, diakonos, means servant or minister.  These first seven deacons were to take over the charitable distribution of food and other material needs to allow the Apostles to preach and celebrate the Eucharist.  However, by the second century, deacons were fulfilling liturgical functions and apostolic endeavors as well. 

Before the Second Vatican Council, there were few permanent deacons.  With the restoration of the permanent diaconate in the Latin Church by Pope Paul VI after Vatican II, married and/or single men of good standing could be ordained as permanent deacons to serve in parish work or other ministries.  Strengthened by the sacramental grace of Holy Orders with the Bishop praying and laying his hands upon them, just as the Apostles prayed and laid their hands on the first seven deacons.

As a member of the clergy, Deacons can assist bishops and priests in the celebration of the divine mysteries, in the distribution of Holy Communion, assisting and witnessing marriages, presiding over funerals, proclaiming the Gospel and preaching, and dedicating themselves to various works of charity.   

Bishop Shawn McKnight in his book, Understanding the Diaconate, states, “The deacon’s liturgical functions, far from being separate from their social role, add a key dimensions to their ministry as a bridge between the bishop and the people.” Bishop McKnight additionally writes “…as a sacramentally ordained minister, the deacon is not only a periodic liturgical symbol but an enduring symbol of Christ’s love and mercy in the world.”

It is with great honor that Deacons, in communion with the bishops and priests, serve the Church’s mission of liturgy, word and charity for the benefit of the people of God.

In Christ – Deacon Jim