The Deacon

The deacon is a man ordained to the third degree of the sacrament of Orders, for the service of the people of God. He receives Orders to serve, and not to exercise the priesthood; configured to Christ the Servant, he serves at the side of the bishop in the liturgy, the word and charity.

Ordained for service

The deacon receives the sacrament of Orders, at its third degree, under the bishop and the priest. The bishop lays hands on him for service, and not for the priesthood: the deacon does not consecrate the Eucharist and does not forgive sins, these acts remaining with the priest and the bishop. His charge is to serve. The word “deacon” comes from the Greek diakonos (διάκονος), the servant. From the Church of the apostles, this order stands beside the bishop: “with the bishops and the deacons.” Philippians 1:1 It may be received as a step toward the priesthood, or lived as a permanent state, open also to married men.

The Seven

The origin of the diaconate is read in the book of Acts. The first Christians held everything in common and provided each day for the needs of the widows; but in this daily distribution, some were neglected. So that the apostles might remain free for prayer and the proclamation of the word, the Church chose seven men charged with this service: “Choose from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom.” Acts 6:3 The apostles prayed and laid hands on them. Among them was Stephen, the first to die for Christ. Thus the diaconate is born from the service of charity.

The threefold service

The deacon's service extends to three domains. At the altar, he assists the bishop and the priest, proclaims the Gospel and may preach; he distributes communion. In the word, he teaches and carries the Gospel to the world. In charity, he cares for the poor and the lowly, the very task for which the seven were first chosen. He may also baptise, bless and preside at funerals. The Church has always surrounded this order with high demands: “Deacons likewise must be worthy of respect.” 1 Timothy 3:8

Image of Christ the Servant

The whole ministry of the deacon makes one thing visible: the Church is a servant, in the image of her Lord. Christ, who came not to be served but to serve, washed the feet of his disciples and left them this example. The deacon bears this face of Christ the Servant in the midst of the people. “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28