At that time, as the number of disciples continued to grow, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.  So the Twelve called together the community of the disciples and said, “It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at table.  Brothers, select from among you seven reputable men, filled with the Spirit and wisdom, whom we shall appoint to this task, whereas we shall devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” The proposal was acceptable to the whole community, so they chose Stephen, a man filled with faith and the Holy Spirit, also Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicholas of Antioch, a convert to Judaism.  They presented these men to the apostles who prayed and laid hands on them.  The word of God continued to spread, and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly; even a large group of priests were becoming obedient to the faith. 

-Acts of the Apostles 6:1-7

The call to the Order of Deacon is a call to a ministry of service.  The service ministry of a deacon may take many forms.  Most deacons serve in parish ministry, primarily working with the pastor and parish staff in facilitating lay ministry.  Like the priest, the deacon should call others to ministry by his witness and his example.  As a facilitator of ministry, his task is to work with the pastor and parish staff in identifying areas of need.  His task then is to train lay men and women to perform the ministry and, when the lay team is ready to take over, the deacon moves on to another area of need to repeat the process.

The diaconate was restored as a permanent ministry by Pope Paul VI, on June 18, 1967, upon the recommendation of the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council.  The symbol of the ministry of the deacon is the basin and the towel, the items Jesus used when he washed the feet of the apostles, illustrating how we are called to love and serve others.

The deacon brings the needs of the marginalized the poor, the imprisoned, the sick and disabled to the altar.  He sees that they are not forgotten or excluded from the liturgical and communal life of the parish.  The deacon can preside at baptisms, weddings and funerals when there is no Mass.

A deacon must be between the ages of 35 and 65 at ordination.  The process of becoming a deacon in the Diocese of Trenton currently takes about 5 1/2 years.  A married man can be ordained a deacon; however, if his wife dies, he cannot remarry.  Likewise, a single man can be ordained a deacon but cannot marry.

The Role of the Deacon involves many areas of ministries:
 
Ministry of Charity
Feed the hungry
Give drink to the thirsty
Visit the imprisoned
Bury the dead
Clothe the Naked 
Visit the sick
Shelter the homeless
 
Ministry of the Word 
Proclaim Scripture to the faithful
Instruct and exhort the people
 
Ministry of Liturgy 
Administer Baptism solemnly
Reserve and distribute the Eucharist
Assist and bless Marriages in the name of the Church
Take Viaticum to the dying
Preside over the worship and the prayer of the faithful
Administer sacramentals
Officiate at funerals and burial services
 
If you have ever considered expanding your service to the church and would like to discuss the possibility of becoming a Permanent Deacon here at the Parish of St. Theresa, please contact the Parish office to make an appointment with the Pastor.