The Deacon's Bench
From Catholic New World:
Cardinal George ordained seven men as permanent deacons on May 18, at Holy Name Cathedral. Another deacon was ordained on May 10 and another nine men were ordained May 25.
More than 98 percent of deacons are married with families and most are also engaged in outside occupations. They are clergy, along with priests and bishops. The ministries that deacons perform include the teaching mission of the church, caring for the poor, performing baptisms and marriages, conducting funeral liturgies, presiding at wake services and assisting the priest at Mass by proclaiming the Gospel, preaching, leading intercessions, preparing the altar and intoning the dismissal.
The Archdiocese of Chicago has the largest diaconate in the entire Catholic Church with more than 600 deacons.
Check out Catholic New World for additional details.
Congratulations! Ad multos annos!
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In