Diaconate Discernment and Inquiry Program Fourth Session

Today’s Schedule 9:00-9:45Liturgy of the Word 9:45-10:15Dimensions of Diaconate 10:15-10:30 Break 10:30-11:10Panel of deacons & wives 11:10-11:50Discernment (Small Group) 11:50-12:00Application Process

Deacon as Minister of Liturgy and Word

Scriptural Roots St. Stephen: from service to proclamation St. Philip: missionary to the world

Herald of the Gospel The bishop, during the rite of ordination, gives the book of the Gospels to the deacon saying: “Receive the Gospel of Christ whose herald you have become”. Like priests, deacons are commended to all by their conduct, their preaching of the mystery of Christ, by transmitting Christian doctrine and by devoting attention to the problems of our time. The principal function of the deacon, therefore, is to collaborate with the bishop and the priests in the exercise of a ministry which is not of their own wisdom but of the word of God, calling all to conversion and holiness. (Vatican Norms 23)

What does it mean to be a herald of the Word? What is the Word? Word made flesh The Community as the Word

Proclaiming the Word Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words. It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless our walking is our preaching. St. Francis

Small Group Discussion In what ways am I now proclaiming the Word of God in my life outside of the parish, especially at work, in the marketplace and in the community? How do I think that will change if I am (or my spouse is) ordained a deacon?

Minister at Liturgy The ministry of the deacon is a visible, grace- filled sign of the integral connection between: sharing at the Lord’s Eucharistic table and serving the many hungers felt so keenly by all God’s children. National Directory 33.

Liturgical and sacramental ministry of the deacon: usually the most visible aspect Sometimes only

Liturgical Ministry Ministry of charity and justice Daily life of living out diaconal call

Icon of Jesus the Servant In the deacon’s liturgical ministry, as in a mirror, the Church see a reflection of its own diaconal character and is reminded of its mission to serve as Jesus did. National Directory 33

Sacramental Nature Sacramental sign of Jesus the servant. Distinction between the deacon serving at Eucharist and presiding at liturgies.

Mass: Introductory Rites Assist the priest or bishop Preparation and coordination of other ministers Procession of the Book of Gospels Penitential Rite

Mass: Liturgy of the Word Proclamation of the Gospel Homily What might be different in the preaching of a deacon as compared to a priest or bishop? Prayers of the Faithful

Mass: Liturgy of the Eucharist Service at Table Invitation to Sign of Peace Minster of the Cup Dismissal

Other Sacraments & Liturgies Baptism Marriage Funerals Communion to the sick / viaticum Liturgy of the Hours Liturgy of the Word Benediction / Blessings Devotional gatherings

For Ongoing Discernment and Reflection Am I faithful to the Gospel? Do I spend enough time with Scripture? What risks am I willing to take to proclaim the Gospel? How can I start now being more effective in proclaiming the Gospel in my daily life? Can I see myself (or my spouse) leading public liturgy? Can I see myself (or my spouse) preaching at mass? Do I want to be a deacon or deacon’s wife to be a model of service or because I think it will bring me respect or esteem in the community? As a deacon or deacon’s wife how will I relate differently with priests, lay ecclesial ministers and the laity?