Role of Permanent Deacons

A permanent deacon within the Congregation of the Resurrection is called, as are priests and brothers within the Religious Community, to a life that gives witness to the presence of Christ. A permanent deacon also participates in the administration of some of the Sacraments of the Catholic Church. A permanent deacon can administer the Sacrament of Baptism and the Sacrament of Marriage, and like the priest, the permanent deacon is called to proclaim the Word of God through preaching.

The fulfillment of the ministry of permanent deacon is most often, although not exclusively, carried out within parish ministry. Serving as a pastoral assistant the permanent deacon shares with the priest in the leadership of the ecclesial community, as do all members of the parish pastoral staff. Historically deacons are called to give special attention to the needs of those who are poor or sick – to bring to them the prayers and support of the parish community, especially by bringing them the Eucharist.

As a permanent deacon within the Congregation of the Resurrection he is called to a variety of ministries, especially those ministries that directly help in the fulfillment of the Charism of the Congregation of the Resurrection, although as said above, most often he is called to minister within the context of a parish community.