ST MARY'S PARISHIONERS AT WORK DiaconateThe Permanent Diaconate
Background
Deacons first appear in the Acts of the Apostles (Chapter 6 verses 1 – 6). Here we read how “seven men of good standing and full of the Spirit and of wisdom” were selected to be appointed by the Apostles to support them in their service to God by undertaking duties such as the daily distribution of food. Very soon after this it is clear that these deacons were also preaching the gospel and teaching the faith.
The diaconate is the lowest of the three orders of ordained ministry i.e. bishop, priest and deacon. The diaconate as a permanent order disappeared in the Western Church somewhere during the fifth or sixth centuries and became transitional – that is the last stage on the way to the priesthood. Therefore all priests and bishops are ordained deacon before they are ordained priest. In the Eastern Church however the permanent deacon has never disappeared.
There have been many saints who have been deacons for example St. Stephen the first Martyr, St. Laurence and perhaps one of the most well known St. Francis of Assisi.
In the 16th Century the Council of Trent began the process to restore the Order, but it took until 1965 at the Second Vatican Council before this was actually achieved. The Council did not restore the diaconate, but the permanence of it as an Order in its own right – as it was in the first centuries of the Church.
Pope John Paul II, in a 1987 address to the United States of American diaconate community gathered in Detroit made the following observation:
“The service of the deacon is the church’s service sacramentalised. Yours is not just a ministry among others but it is truly meant to be, as Paul Vl described it, a “driving force” for the church’s diakonia. You are meant to be living signs of the servanthood of Chirst’s Church."
The Ministry
The ministry of the deacon is threefold:
The ministry of the word - the deacon proclaims the gospel during mass. Even if there are conclebrating priests, or the Pope himself present, it is the deacon who proclaims the gospel. The deacon also announces the bidding prayers, and at the direction of the priest celebrant may occasionally preach the homily.
The ministry of the altar - the deacon assists the priest at mass, preparing the altar, preparing the chalice and stands by the side of the priest to assist when needed. He announces the sign of peace and dismisses the people at the end of mass.
The ministry of charity - this can take many forms, caring for the sick and housebound, the elderly, the poor, offering support to those bereaved, and other practical elements of parish and community life.
The deacon can also officiate at baptisms, weddings, funerals, Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament and other forms of services, and also take viaticum to the dying.
Personal experience - Norman J. Arrowsmith
I started the formation programme in September 2007 and will, please God, hopefully be ordained in the summer of 2010. I have had lots of encouragement and support from Fr Marsden and the parishioners of St Mary's. I also have the full support and backing of my wife Margaret and she comes along to the training days and is doing the CCRS course. We feel that we are making a joint commitment and we ask that you keep us both in your prayers.
Below is a photograph taken at the Candidacy Mass held at All Saints Church Anfield on 8th December 2007.
The Lay Ministries of Lector and Acolyte
Background
Since the early centuries of the church those men having a vocation to “Holy Orders” went through several stages before they were ordained Deacon, Priest or Bishop. These stages were called “Minor Orders”. Men were admitted to the “Clerical State” by receiving the “Tonsure” the shaving of the crown of the head, and then they advanced via Porter, Exorcist, Lector, Acolyte and then sub-Deacon, Deacon, Priest and Bishop.
With the Second Vatican Council came many reforms. In the document MINISTERIA QUAEDAM Pope Paul VI’s Apostolic Letter given Motu Proprio: “On first tonsure, minor orders, and the sub-diaconate”, the reforms of the Minor Orders were issued. Men were now only admitted to the “Clerical State” with the ordination to the Diaconate, and all the Minor Orders and the sub-diaconate were to be abolished. They were to be replaced by the two Lay Ministries of Lector and Acolyte. These Lay Ministries were no longer to be conferred by ordination but by institution
Lector
The Lector’s ministry goes further than to read at Mass. He should have a thorough knowledge of the scriptures, he should lead the “Prayer of the faithful” at Mass when there is no Deacon present and he should be able to perform the function of a Catechist.
Bishop Tom Williams after the Mass of Institution of Lector at L A C E
on Thursday11th December 2008
Bishop Williams with Lector Norman Arrowsmith and SupportersAcolyte
The Lay Ministry of Acolyte doesn’t mean the same as being an acolyte (carrying the candles during processions at Mass). The Acolyte is a “permanent minister of the Eucharist”. He is to assist the Priest and the Deacon at the Altar in whatever is required and to distribute Holy Communion. He is also able to purify the Priests chalice at Mass and should be thoroughly familiar with all aspects of the Liturgy
Archbishop Kelly after the Mass of Institution of Acolyte at L A C E on
Thursday 19th March 2009 (Feast of St Joseph)
CONGRATULATIONS FROM ST MARY'S CHORLEYORDINATION OF DEACON Celebrant Bishop Thomas Williams
Norman Joseph Arrowsmith was ordained Deacon 13th June 2010
at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King Liverpool
Deacon N. J. & Mrs Arrowsmith
