Lay off it

Dear media writer/religion reporter/journalist…

I know you have a busy life.  I know you are under deadline.  I know it’s easy to stumble and make mistakes.  Believe me, I’ve been there.   

But please, try to avoid making the  blunder that this writer made, in an otherwise fine piece:  referring to Catholic deacons as “lay deacons.”

There ain’t no such animal.

For future reference — and please, pass this along to any of your colleagues — Catholic deacons are clergy.  Many are married.  Many have jobs outside the church. 

But that doesn’t mean deacons are lay people.  Catholic deacons are clergy.    Like priests.  Like bishops.  Like the pope.   A quick call to the local chancery could clear up any confusion you might have, and I’m sure they can answer any other questions you have about this unique vocation.   

Thank you. 

Have a nice day.