by Therese Ivers

 The permanent diaconate was recently revived after centuries of disuse in the Catholic Church.  Those who are called to be permanent deacons have a somewhat unique vocation.  A permanent deacon may be either single or married.  He, like St. Stephen, is called to serve the Church in ways that assist the presbyters.

A permanent deacon in the Roman Catholic Church may administer Baptism, witness marriages, give homilies, and conduct burial services.  Since he receives the sacrament of Holy Orders, he is not a layman, but a cleric.  As a cleric, he has the obligation to observe celibacy if he is unmarried, or the obligation to never remarry if he is married.

To become a permanent deacon, one should inquire at a diocesan vocations office.  Men who are married often must meet a certain minimum age established by the diocese.  A married man may not become a deacon without the consent of his wife.

Some permanent deacons have full-time ministry in the Church.  Others have full-time jobs in other fields.  Each permanent deacon lives out his commitment of ordained service to the Church in a manner suitable to his calling.

(c) 2008 by Therese Ivers and www.DoIHaveAVocation.com

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