the renewed diaconate: past, present, future deacon william t. ditewig, ph.d. executive director...

The Renewed Diaconate:The Renewed Diaconate:Past, Present, FuturePast, Present, Future

Deacon William T. Ditewig, Ph.D.Deacon William T. Ditewig, Ph.D.Executive DirectorExecutive Director

Secretariat for the DiaconateSecretariat for the DiaconateSecretariat for EvangelizationSecretariat for Evangelization

United States Conference of Catholic BishopsUnited States Conference of Catholic Bishops

OverviewOverview

WHY was diaconate WHY was diaconate renewed?renewed?– Vatican IIVatican II– Current Realities: Current Realities:

National & National & InternationalInternational

The The National National DirectoryDirectory: : Highlights and Highlights and Implications for the Implications for the FutureFuture

Why is all this important?Why is all this important? Growing need for Growing need for

deacons to deacons to understand their understand their rootsroots– Needs of Needs of

contemporary Churchcontemporary Church– Complex matrix of Complex matrix of

ministriesministries Living out the Living out the

potential of the potential of the visionvision

Seeing ourselves as Seeing ourselves as part of the bigger part of the bigger picture of Church lifepicture of Church life

Part One:The Most Basic Part One:The Most Basic Question: Question: WHYWHY??

Why was the Why was the diaconate renewed diaconate renewed by Vatican II and by Vatican II and Paul VI?Paul VI?

Why was there a Why was there a Vatican II in the Vatican II in the first place?first place?

““As the Third Millenium As the Third Millenium Approaches. . . .”Approaches. . . .”

“The best preparation for the new millenium can only be expressed in a renewed commitment to apply the teachings of Vatican II to the life of every individual and of the whole Church.”

-- John Paul II

A Little History: 1776 - 1899A Little History: 1776 - 1899

Revolutions: Revolutions: individualism & individualism & separation of separation of church/statechurch/state

• Industrial Revolution

A Little History: 1776 – 1899A Little History: 1776 – 1899

Emigration/ImmigrationEmigration/Immigration

Loss of Papal StatesLoss of Papal States

Rise of NationalismRise of Nationalism

Vatican I: First Vatican I: First attempt to relate attempt to relate Church to Modern Church to Modern WorldWorld

A Little History: From 1900 - A Little History: From 1900 - 19591959

JPII on WWIIJPII on WWII

““World War II: An abyss of violence, World War II: An abyss of violence, destruction and death unlike anything destruction and death unlike anything previously known.” (2004 World Day of previously known.” (2004 World Day of Peace Message)Peace Message)

Vatican II: Response to WWIIVatican II: Response to WWII

““The First 100 Days”The First 100 Days”

John XXIII: elected John XXIII: elected October 1958October 1958

Turned 77 in NovemberTurned 77 in November Announced agenda for Announced agenda for

his papacy on January his papacy on January 25, 195925, 1959

Purpose of the Council: Purpose of the Council: aggiornamentoaggiornamento

Purpose of Religion: “To Purpose of Religion: “To make the human make the human sojourn on earth less sojourn on earth less sad.”sad.”

So, Why Vatican II?So, Why Vatican II?

Unfinished business of Vatican I: Unfinished business of Vatican I: – Bishops, laity, modern worldBishops, laity, modern world

Contemporary problems:Contemporary problems:– WWI, Rise of totalitarian regimesWWI, Rise of totalitarian regimes– Worldwide economic collapseWorldwide economic collapse– Spanish Civil WarSpanish Civil War– WWII, Holocaust, Atomic Age, Cold WarWWII, Holocaust, Atomic Age, Cold War

To reconnect faith and lifeTo reconnect faith and life

But why this Pope, and why But why this Pope, and why now?now?

Born in “Sotto il Monte”: Under Born in “Sotto il Monte”: Under the Mountainthe Mountain

Seminarian Angelo in RomeSeminarian Angelo in Rome

Sergeant Roncalli, Italian Sergeant Roncalli, Italian ArmyArmy

Bishop Roncalli, Vatican Bishop Roncalli, Vatican Diplomatic CorpsDiplomatic Corps

Nuncio Roncalli in BulgariaNuncio Roncalli in Bulgaria

Nuncio Roncalli in Turkey & Nuncio Roncalli in Turkey & GreeceGreece

Nuncio Roncalli in FranceNuncio Roncalli in France

Patriarch of VenicePatriarch of Venice

Angelo Cardinal RoncalliAngelo Cardinal Roncalli

Last audience with Pius XIILast audience with Pius XII

Election and “Obedienza”Election and “Obedienza”

John XXIII and his GlobeJohn XXIII and his Globe

Updating? Why?Updating? Why?

To meet the needs of To meet the needs of the modern worldthe modern world

““Divine Providence is Divine Providence is leading us to a new leading us to a new order of human order of human relations”relations”

““That all may be That all may be one.”one.”

Vatican II: The Council of Vatican II: The Council of the Churchthe Church

First, had to deal with the worldwide First, had to deal with the worldwide pastoral challenges facing the churchpastoral challenges facing the church

Second, the first truly worldwide Council of Second, the first truly worldwide Council of a Church fully aware of itself as a “world a Church fully aware of itself as a “world church”church”

Third: experience of the “Council” itself:Third: experience of the “Council” itself:– CollegialityCollegiality– SubsidiaritySubsidiarity– Relationship of Local to Universal ChurchRelationship of Local to Universal Church

Getting Started. . . .Getting Started. . . .

1959 - 1960: 1959 - 1960: Antepreparatory Antepreparatory PeriodPeriod– Cardinal Tardini:Cardinal Tardini:– Input for agendaInput for agenda– initial stages of initial stages of

organizationorganization


1960 - 1961: 1960 - 1961: Preparatory PeriodPreparatory Period– 10 Commissions 10 Commissions

(& Coordinating (& Coordinating Commission Commission chaired by Pope) chaired by Pope) began drafting 70 began drafting 70 schemataschemata

Vatican II: The Council of Vatican II: The Council of the Churchthe Church

““AD INTRA”AD INTRA”

– Looked into Looked into the inner the inner nature and life nature and life of the Churchof the Church

““AD EXTRA”AD EXTRA”

– Looked outward Looked outward at the way in at the way in which the Church which the Church relates to the relates to the Modern WorldModern World


October 11, 1962: October 11, 1962: Opening MassOpening Mass

2640 Bishops2640 Bishops 5 ½ Hours!5 ½ Hours!


John’s Opening John’s Opening SpeechSpeech


October 13: First October 13: First General SessionGeneral Session– John and the PressJohn and the Press– Session ends in Session ends in

less than an hour!less than an hour!


October 16: October 16: LiturgyLiturgy selected as only selected as only schema ready to schema ready to work onwork on

October 22 - October 22 - November 13: November 13: debates on debates on LiturgyLiturgy

October 31: US October 31: US bishops form 12 bishops form 12 advisory committeesadvisory committees


December 8: First December 8: First Session closesSession closes

June 3, 1963 June 3, 1963 (Pentecost Sunday): (Pentecost Sunday): Pope John dies, & all Pope John dies, & all work on Council stopswork on Council stops

June 21: Paul VI June 21: Paul VI electedelected

June 22: Paul moves June 22: Paul moves up 2nd session!up 2nd session!

The Deacon and the CouncilThe Deacon and the Council

Reform & RenewalReform & Renewal

Five critical areas:Five critical areas:– Role of Bishops & their Relationship Role of Bishops & their Relationship

to the Pope (complements Vatican I)to the Pope (complements Vatican I)– Role of the LaityRole of the Laity– Definition of Church MembershipDefinition of Church Membership– Relationship of Catholic church to Relationship of Catholic church to

other Christian churchesother Christian churches– Relationship of Church’s mission to Relationship of Church’s mission to

the life of the worldthe life of the world

Role of BishopsRole of Bishops

– Complemented & completed work of Complemented & completed work of Vatican IVatican I

– Three basic questions: What is a Bishop? Three basic questions: What is a Bishop? What is the unique role of the Bishop of What is the unique role of the Bishop of Rome? How do they relate?Rome? How do they relate?

– Bishop is called by God. The Bishop is called by God. The sacramental sacramental identity of the bishop!identity of the bishop!

– Bishop is head of the local church, in Bishop is head of the local church, in communion with the Pope. [LG 26]communion with the Pope. [LG 26]

– Bishop is a vicar of Christ [LG 27]Bishop is a vicar of Christ [LG 27]

Prior to Vatican II:Prior to Vatican II:“Find the Bishop!”“Find the Bishop!”

Role of BishopsRole of Bishops

Renewal of the Diaconate is Renewal of the Diaconate is tied directly to this renewal tied directly to this renewal

of the Episcopateof the Episcopate

But who suggested diaconate?But who suggested diaconate?

Myth: “From the Third World”Myth: “From the Third World” Myth: Top-down Myth: Top-down “bishops re- “bishops re-

imposed an additional hierarchical imposed an additional hierarchical structure on the people”; structure on the people”; anachronismanachronism

How did the bishops even know How did the bishops even know about the diaconate, other than as about the diaconate, other than as “transitional”?“transitional”?

How did the question How did the question emerge?emerge? Germany, 1840: diaconate Germany, 1840: diaconate

as part of overall ecclesial as part of overall ecclesial reform: link to bishop & reform: link to bishop & worshipworship

CaritasCaritas in Germany, 1897: in Germany, 1897: required in every German required in every German diocesediocese

Caritas Caritas journal began to journal began to explore the possibility of explore the possibility of an ordained diaconatean ordained diaconate

Diaconate: Link between Diaconate: Link between worship and social actionworship and social action

G. von Mann (1934): Charity is essential G. von Mann (1934): Charity is essential element of church; need for some element of church; need for some official recognition of those who act in official recognition of those who act in Church’s name.Church’s name.

H. ShH. Shüütz (1936): advantage of deacons tz (1936): advantage of deacons is official is official missionmission: the bishop sends. : the bishop sends. Also, with rise of Nazism, only an Also, with rise of Nazism, only an officialofficial presence will survive; deacons are to presence will survive; deacons are to link link leiturgia, martyria, leiturgia, martyria, andand diakonia diakonia..

Dachau Concentration Dachau Concentration CampCamp

Clergy & Religious Clergy & Religious of all faiths: “no of all faiths: “no special treatment”special treatment”

Der PriesterblockDer Priesterblock Incubator for Incubator for

renewal: “How renewal: “How must the Church must the Church change so that this change so that this does not happen does not happen again?”again?”

Following the War. . . .Following the War. . . .

Survivors begin to write Survivors begin to write and planand plan

Otto Pies, Wilhelm Otto Pies, Wilhelm SchamoniSchamoni

Hannes Kramer and the Hannes Kramer and the “Diaconate Circles”“Diaconate Circles”

Karl RahnerKarl Rahner International Catechetical International Catechetical

Week, Assisi, 1956Week, Assisi, 1956 Pius XII (1947 and 1957)Pius XII (1947 and 1957)

So, as Council began. . .So, as Council began. . .

Charitable service, sacramentally linked Charitable service, sacramentally linked to word and worship, is essential to word and worship, is essential element in life of the church.element in life of the church.

This dimension, while it must be This dimension, while it must be exercised by all, is deserving of exercised by all, is deserving of sacramental recognition by the church.sacramental recognition by the church.

This development urgently needed as This development urgently needed as part of overall renewal of the church.part of overall renewal of the church.

The Deacon at the CouncilThe Deacon at the Council

Rahner/Vorgrimler: Rahner/Vorgrimler: Diakonia in ChristoDiakonia in Christo 8972 proposals received during 8972 proposals received during

antepraeparatoriaantepraeparatoria; 101 concerned the ; 101 concerned the diaconate diaconate

Of the 101, 90 proposals Of the 101, 90 proposals propro (representing 186 bishops), 11 (representing 186 bishops), 11 contracontra (representing 21 bishops)(representing 21 bishops)

Two German Two German PeritiPeriti

Who Had the Vision?Who Had the Vision?

Many supporters were Many supporters were from Europe (especially from Europe (especially Spain, Germany, France, Spain, Germany, France, the Netherlands and the Netherlands and countries of Eastern countries of Eastern Europe)Europe)

Others were bishops from Others were bishops from Latin America, Africa, and Latin America, Africa, and Asia (especially Asia (especially Micronesia, Indonesia, Micronesia, Indonesia, India and Pakistan). India and Pakistan).


16 proposals (71 bishops) on functions of 16 proposals (71 bishops) on functions of deacons. Speak of deacons of “mature age” deacons. Speak of deacons of “mature age” (40); age of deacons will be a topic of (40); age of deacons will be a topic of discussion during the later debate.discussion during the later debate.

Specific functions: Specific functions: – ““experienced catechist” experienced catechist” – parish administration parish administration – administration of church goods and property administration of church goods and property – official preaching and teaching official preaching and teaching – presiding at Extreme Unction and other sacramental presiding at Extreme Unction and other sacramental

ministries ministries Deacon is a recognized leader in the Deacon is a recognized leader in the

community, not a person new or inexperienced community, not a person new or inexperienced in ministry. in ministry.

Deacons and the Deacons and the DocumentsDocuments

Dogmatic Constitution Dogmatic Constitution on the Church #29on the Church #29

Constitution on the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy #35Sacred Liturgy #35

Dogmatic Constitution Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation on Divine Revelation #25#25

Decree on Missionary Decree on Missionary Activity #16Activity #16

Decree on Eastern Decree on Eastern Catholic Churches #17Catholic Churches #17


Dogmatic Constitution on the Church Dogmatic Constitution on the Church (Lumen Gentium), #29(Lumen Gentium), #29

First Draft: no mention of deacons at all!First Draft: no mention of deacons at all! The key to understanding the diaconate The key to understanding the diaconate

is to understand the key role of Chapter is to understand the key role of Chapter III and the nature & role of bishops: III and the nature & role of bishops: deacons & priests are assistants to the deacons & priests are assistants to the bishops. [Paragraphs 18-27: bishops; bishops. [Paragraphs 18-27: bishops; 28: presbyters; 29: deacons]28: presbyters; 29: deacons]


4 - 16 Oct 1963: Debate on the 4 - 16 Oct 1963: Debate on the diaconatediaconate

30 October, 1963: vote on 4 issues 30 October, 1963: vote on 4 issues relating to bishops, 1 on deaconsrelating to bishops, 1 on deacons

““Should we consider the diaconate Should we consider the diaconate as a stable order?”: 1588 yes, 525 as a stable order?”: 1588 yes, 525 nono


Three developmentsThree developments– the “Suenens Compromise”: not an the “Suenens Compromise”: not an

absolute universalabsolute universal– only “mature” married men could only “mature” married men could

be ordained; but 40 was be ordained; but 40 was considered too old, and lowered to considered too old, and lowered to 3535

– growing appreciation of the growing appreciation of the theological nature of the diaconate theological nature of the diaconate as opposed to a purely functional as opposed to a purely functional approach (again, due largely to approach (again, due largely to Suenens)Suenens)


Final Votes (#29 had 5 votes)Final Votes (#29 had 5 votes)– office of deacon: 2055 to 94office of deacon: 2055 to 94– Restoration as permanent order: 1903 Restoration as permanent order: 1903

to 242to 242– Pope to approve: 1523 to 702Pope to approve: 1523 to 702– ““mature married men”: 1598 to 629mature married men”: 1598 to 629– ““younger non-celibate men”: 1364 NO younger non-celibate men”: 1364 NO

to 839 YESto 839 YES


Very little consensus of what they were Very little consensus of what they were restoring: no one knew what a deacon was restoring: no one knew what a deacon was or what he was supposed to do!or what he was supposed to do!

Ancient order, but transformed for renewed Ancient order, but transformed for renewed ChurchChurch

Relationship to celibacy; BUT, what about Relationship to celibacy; BUT, what about the relationship of Matrimony to Holy the relationship of Matrimony to Holy Orders?Orders?

Not restored because of a shortage of Not restored because of a shortage of priests, but a shortage of deacons (a new priests, but a shortage of deacons (a new way of ordained ministry)way of ordained ministry)

Deacons in a Diaconal Deacons in a Diaconal ChurchChurch

We stress that the teaching of We stress that the teaching of the Council is channeled in one the Council is channeled in one direction: the SERVICE of human direction: the SERVICE of human kind, of every condition, in kind, of every condition, in every weakness and need. The every weakness and need. The Church has declared herself a Church has declared herself a servant of humanity at the very servant of humanity at the very time when her teaching role and time when her teaching role and her pastoral government have, her pastoral government have, by reason of this Council, by reason of this Council, assumed greater splendor and assumed greater splendor and vigor. However, the idea of vigor. However, the idea of SERVICE has been central.SERVICE has been central.

Points from the CouncilPoints from the Council

Deacons were Deacons were needed as part of needed as part of renewed renewed identification of identification of church-as-deaconchurch-as-deacon

Relationship to the Relationship to the BishopBishop

Restored the Restored the permanencypermanency of of diaconatediaconate

As they left the garden,As they left the garden,

Adam turned to Adam turned to Eve and said,Eve and said,

““My dear, we My dear, we are entering are entering a time of a time of transition!”transition!”

Part Two: The Current Part Two: The Current DiaconateDiaconate

After the Council. . . After the Council. . .

1964 – 1964 – Lumen gentiumLumen gentium 1965 – Second Vatican Council closes1965 – Second Vatican Council closes 18 June 1967 – 18 June 1967 – Sacrum Diaconatus Sacrum Diaconatus

OrdinemOrdinem: Pope Paul VI implements : Pope Paul VI implements Vatican II decision on the diaconateVatican II decision on the diaconate

Getting StartedGetting Started

First bishops’ conferences to request First bishops’ conferences to request permission (1967):permission (1967):– GermanyGermany– FranceFrance– ItalyItaly– BrazilBrazil– CameroonCameroon

The first ordinations. . . . The first ordinations. . . .

28 April 1968 – Cologne, Germany (5 ordinands)28 April 1968 – Cologne, Germany (5 ordinands) 8 years of preparation/service8 years of preparation/service Ages: 35 – 47Ages: 35 – 47 High school teacher/vice principal; town High school teacher/vice principal; town

councillor; religion teacher; diocesan official; city councillor; religion teacher; diocesan official; city director of director of CaritasCaritas

The first ordinations. . . . The first ordinations. . . .

3 November 1968 – Rottenburg, Germany (9 3 November 1968 – Rottenburg, Germany (9 ordinands)ordinands)

8 December 1968 – Bamburg, Germany. 3 8 December 1968 – Bamburg, Germany. 3 Franciscan brothers; after ordination sent to Franciscan brothers; after ordination sent to Paraguay and IndiaParaguay and India

8 December 1968 – Douala, Cameroon. 7 African 8 December 1968 – Douala, Cameroon. 7 African deacons for diocese of Douala.deacons for diocese of Douala.

1970 International Statistics: 1970 International Statistics: 99 Deacons99 Deacons

Algeria – 2Algeria – 2 Belgium – 9Belgium – 9 Brazil – 13Brazil – 13 Cameroon – 8Cameroon – 8 Chile – 9Chile – 9 Germany – 45Germany – 45

France – 5France – 5 India – 2India – 2 Indonesia – 1Indonesia – 1 Paraguay – 1Paraguay – 1 South Africa – 2South Africa – 2 United States – 2United States – 2

The Diaconate in the US. . . .The Diaconate in the US. . . .

1967: Compared to others, 1967: Compared to others, US bishops playing “catch-US bishops playing “catch-up” after SDOup” after SDO

Commissioned CTSA paper Commissioned CTSA paper on possibilities for on possibilities for diaconate in USdiaconate in US

Appointed new Appointed new ad hocad hoc committee on permanent committee on permanent diaconate to consider issuediaconate to consider issue


1968: CTSA Report to 1968: CTSA Report to ConferenceConference

Recommendation by Committee Recommendation by Committee to move forwardto move forward

Letter to Holy See is drafted Letter to Holy See is drafted (based on previously-approved (based on previously-approved French letter); letter sent in MayFrench letter); letter sent in May

Request approved in AugustRequest approved in August At November meeting:At November meeting:

– ad hocad hoc Committee becomes Committee becomes standing Committeestanding Committee

– Secretariat establishedSecretariat established– 4 Training Centers (2 national/2 4 Training Centers (2 national/2

diocesan) established and approved diocesan) established and approved by USCCBby USCCB


June 1, 1969: Archbishop June 1, 1969: Archbishop Sheen ordains Michael Cole Sheen ordains Michael Cole first permanent deacon in US first permanent deacon in US (Rochester)(Rochester)

May 24, 1970: Bishop May 24, 1970: Bishop Charles H. Helmsing (KC-St. Charles H. Helmsing (KC-St. Joseph) ordains Paul McArdleJoseph) ordains Paul McArdle

1971: first large classes; first 1971: first large classes; first “Guidelines” (the “green “Guidelines” (the “green book”)book”)

Statistical Updates Statistical Updates (2004)(2004)

Overall TrendsOverall TrendsPriests and DeaconsPriests and Deacons

0

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

30000

35000

40000

1965 1975 1985 1995 2004 lessretirees

DeaconsPriests

Overall Trend – Graduate Overall Trend – Graduate Seminarians and Deacon Seminarians and Deacon

CandidatesCandidates

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

1965 1975 1985 1995 2000 2004

CandidatesSeminarians

United StatesUnited States1998 - 20041998 - 2004

11837

14662

1000

3000

5000

7000

9000

11000

13000

15000

US +24%

19982004

Deacons’ Overall Education Deacons’ Overall Education LevelLevel

1

11

4

2630 28

05

101520253035

Less t

han H

S

High

Sch

ool

Trade S

choo

l

Some C

olleg

e

BA Deg

ree

Gra

duate D

egre

e

Deacons’ Overall Education Deacons’ Overall Education Level with US PopulationLevel with US Population

1

11

4

26 2830

13

21

8

16

05

101520253035

Deacons

Cath Pop

Gen Pop

Education Level by Decade of Education Level by Decade of OrdinationOrdination

1

11

4

2630 28 30

20

05

101520253035

Less t

han H

S

High

Sch

ool

Trade S

choo

l

Some C

olleg

e

BA Deg

ree

Gra

duate D

egre

e

Total

Post 1980

Pre 1980

9

61

30

1

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

Generations

WWII:1901-1924Silent:1925-1942Vat II:1943-1960Post Vat II:1960

Education Level by GenerationEducation Level by Generation

1

11

4

2630

36

2825

17

05

10152025303540

Total

Vat II

Silent

WWII

Education Level at Entrance to Education Level at Entrance to FormationFormation

1

114

2630

36

2

17

3

50

2828

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Total DCs

VII GenDeacons

Sems

73

2732

26

12

0

20

40

60

80

No Yes

Overall

Vat II

Silent

WWII

Compensated for Ministry?Compensated for Ministry?

No62%

Yes38%

Secular Job?Secular Job?

Ordination Age by Decade of Ordination Age by Decade of OrdinationOrdination

46

49

53

42

44

46

48

50

52

54

1970 - 1979 1980 - 1989 1990 - 2000

1970 - 1979

1980 - 1989

1990 - 2000

Ministry ActivityMinistry Activity

172

30

60

Ministry F/T

Ministry P/T

Retired F/T

Retired, P/T

Fully Retired

Age of CandidatesAge of Candidates

8

3741

13

10

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

35 - 39 40 - 49 50 - 59 60 - 69 Over 70

Age of DeaconsAge of Deacons

2

15

34 34

15

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

35 - 44 45 - 54 55 - 64 65 - 74 Over 75

Marital StatusMarital Status

91

4 4 1

MarriedWidowedNever MarriedSeparated - Annulled

Racial & Ethnic BackgroundRacial & Ethnic Background

2 1 1

86

10

WhiteHispanic/LatinoBlackAsianNative American

Parish Ministry?Parish Ministry?

36

2

62 6660 57

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

Parish Only Non-ParishOnly

Parish & Non-Parish Mix

Overall1990 after1980s1970s

Number of parishes servedNumber of parishes served

82

12 4 2

0

50

100OneTwoThreeFour or more

16% of deacons minister in two or three parishes16% of deacons minister in two or three parishes Largest number of parishes served was Largest number of parishes served was eighteight

Challenges and TensionsChallenges and Tensionsfrom the Datafrom the Data

Aging of US Aging of US DiaconateDiaconate

Increasing “full Increasing “full time” deaconstime” deacons– Employment vs. Employment vs.

AssignmentAssignment– Deacons as Deacons as

“compensating” for “compensating” for shortage of priests?shortage of priests?

More than 1/3 serve More than 1/3 serve only in a parishonly in a parish

““Nature and Scope”Nature and Scope”1950-20021950-2002Total: 4392Total: 4392

97

11 1

Permanent Deacons(41)Transitional Deacons(20)Seminarians (22)

Priests (4309)

2004 Audit2004 AuditTotal: 662Total: 662

51 4

86

4Diocesan Priests

Incardinated Priests

Externs

Permanent Deacons (6diocesan/1 religious)Other

The Deacon Overseas: Age and The Deacon Overseas: Age and FormationFormation

Average Age: c. 45Average Age: c. 45 Deacons are seen Deacons are seen

as COMMUNITY-as COMMUNITY-BUILDERSBUILDERS

Link between Link between community and community and preaching & preaching & sacramental sacramental ministryministry

Formation Example: Formation Example: KlausKlaus

International Highlights: International Highlights: The Americas, 1998 - 2004The Americas, 1998 - 2004

825918

357

775

405596

850

1395

420

664

0

250

500

750

1000

1250

1500

Canada+11%

Mexico +117%

Argentina+47%

Brazil+64%

Chile+58%

19982004

International Highlights: International Highlights: Europe, 1998 - 2004Europe, 1998 - 2004

1250

18002000

2582

1900

2748

327

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

France +44%

Germany +29%

Italy +45%

Poland minus 78%

19982004

Deacon Overseas: One Deacon Overseas: One ExampleExample

Diaconate in Diaconate in HungaryHungary– 9 deacons in 9 deacons in

19901990– 46 by 199946 by 1999– For many of For many of

them, prime them, prime mission is mission is SMUGGLINGSMUGGLING

Session II: Update on theSession II: Update on theNational DirectoryNational Directory

Current DevelopmentsCurrent Developments

1994: “Ratio” and 1994: “Ratio” and Directory on Ministry Directory on Ministry & Life of Priests by & Life of Priests by Congregation for Congregation for Catholic Education & Catholic Education & Congregation for the Congregation for the ClergyClergy

Announcement of Announcement of similar goal for similar goal for DeaconsDeacons

Current DevelopmentsCurrent Developments November, 1995: Joint November, 1995: Joint

plenarium to discuss plenarium to discuss drafts of 2 new drafts of 2 new documents on the documents on the deacon [US: Cardinals deacon [US: Cardinals Hickey, Law, Maida]Hickey, Law, Maida]

Both dicasteries were Both dicasteries were doing similar things, doing similar things, so decided to publish so decided to publish both documents both documents jointlyjointly

22 February 199822 February 1998


““Ratio”, or Basic Norms, Ratio”, or Basic Norms, is from is from Catholic Catholic EducationEducation: focus is on : focus is on FORMATIONFORMATION

““not only a guideline, but not only a guideline, but a directive” for regional a directive” for regional episcopal conferences in episcopal conferences in preparing regional [NOT preparing regional [NOT diocesan!] directivesdiocesan!] directives


Directory is from Directory is from ClergyClergy and is focused and is focused more on post-more on post-ordination issues: life ordination issues: life & ministry, spirituality, & ministry, spirituality, ongoing formationongoing formation

““a formal, general, a formal, general, executory Decree (c. executory Decree (c. 32)”32)”

Goal of Vatican DocumentsGoal of Vatican Documents

““To clarify & regulate the diversity of To clarify & regulate the diversity of approaches adopted in experiments approaches adopted in experiments [!] conducted up to now”[!] conducted up to now”

““To ensure a certain stability of To ensure a certain stability of approach which takes account of approach which takes account of legitimate plurality and in turn legitimate plurality and in turn guarantees that indispensable unity guarantees that indispensable unity necessary for the success of the necessary for the success of the ministry of the Permanent Diaconate.”ministry of the Permanent Diaconate.”

Some Highlights:Some Highlights:

Ministry exercised across Ministry exercised across triple triple munusmunus: : munus munus docendi, munus docendi, munus sanctificandi, munus sanctificandi, munus regendiregendi: same for ALL clergy.: same for ALL clergy.

Some deacons may stress Some deacons may stress one or another, but must one or another, but must exercise all THREE: a basic exercise all THREE: a basic unity in serviceunity in service

Obvious implications for Obvious implications for formationformation

Some Highlights:Some Highlights:

““In every case it is important In every case it is important that deacons fully exercise that deacons fully exercise their ministry: in preaching, their ministry: in preaching, in liturgy and in charity to the in liturgy and in charity to the extent that circumstances extent that circumstances permit. They should not be permit. They should not be relegated to marginal duties, relegated to marginal duties, be made merely to act as be made merely to act as substitutes, nor discharge substitutes, nor discharge duties normally entrusted to duties normally entrusted to non-ordained members of the non-ordained members of the faithful” (faithful” (DirectoryDirectory), 40.), 40.

Some Specific ConcernsSome Specific Concerns

Catechesis of laity, priests, Catechesis of laity, priests, religious (religious (RatioRatio, 16): responsibility , 16): responsibility of bishopof bishop

2-stage formation process; order of 2-stage formation process; order of candidacy & ministries; size of candidacy & ministries; size of staff; length of formationstaff; length of formation

1000 hours (1000 hours (RatioRatio, 82), 82) Deacon’s precedence IAW c. 517, Deacon’s precedence IAW c. 517,

§2; role in §2; role in munus regendi munus regendi ((DirectoryDirectory, 41), 41)

U. S. DevelopmentsU. S. Developments

Bishop Kmiec: Bishop Kmiec: Chair of BCDChair of BCD

Subcommittee on Subcommittee on theology, ministry, theology, ministry, spirituality (Bishop spirituality (Bishop Lori)Lori)

Subcommittee on Subcommittee on formation (Bishop formation (Bishop Hubbard)Hubbard)

Some Early DecisionsSome Early Decisions

Given the juridical nature Given the juridical nature of the Vatican docs: new of the Vatican docs: new US document will be a US document will be a “Directory”, not “Directory”, not “Guidelines”: common “Guidelines”: common vision, similar to vision, similar to catechetical “directories”catechetical “directories”

Some Early HighlightsSome Early Highlights TheologyTheology

– unity of Orders in Christunity of Orders in Christ– unity in unity in muneramunera– relationship to bishoprelationship to bishop

MinistriesMinistries– diocesan minister at service of bishop/local diocesan minister at service of bishop/local

church (cf. 1995 church (cf. 1995 National StudyNational Study)) SpiritualitySpirituality

– Orders as relationalOrders as relational– States of life as integralStates of life as integral

Some Early HighlightsSome Early Highlights

A Word about “States of Life”A Word about “States of Life”– marriedmarried– celibatecelibate– widowedwidowed– divorceddivorced– now, remarried (“the now, remarried (“the

courting deacon?!”)courting deacon?!”)– the NORM is still to remain the NORM is still to remain

celibate if widowedcelibate if widowed

Some Early HighlightsSome Early Highlights

SelectionSelection– 2 phased: aspirancy & candidacy2 phased: aspirancy & candidacy– age ??? 35 to 60?age ??? 35 to 60?

DiscernmentDiscernment– family perspectivefamily perspective

FormationFormation– contact hours: 1000 hours?contact hours: 1000 hours?– teaching level: competency-basedteaching level: competency-based

Post-Ordination Formation/IssuesPost-Ordination Formation/Issues– liability issues; compensationliability issues; compensation

The The National DirectoryNational Directory: A : A Closer LookCloser Look

Start with the TitleStart with the Title

““The National Directory. . .The National Directory. . . For the Formation, Ministry and Life. . For the Formation, Ministry and Life. .

. . Of Permanent Deacons. . . .Of Permanent Deacons. . . . In the United States”In the United States”

ContentsContents

PrefacePreface Chapter 1: TheologyChapter 1: Theology Chapter 2: Ministry & LifeChapter 2: Ministry & Life Chapter 3: Dimensions of Chapter 3: Dimensions of

FormationFormation Chapter 4: Vocation, Chapter 4: Vocation,

Discernment, SelectionDiscernment, Selection Chapter 5: Aspirant PathChapter 5: Aspirant Path Chapter 6: Candidate PathChapter 6: Candidate Path Chapter 7: Post-Ordination Chapter 7: Post-Ordination

PathPath Chapter 8: Organization, Chapter 8: Organization,

Structures, PersonnelStructures, Personnel

Crucial Point for Crucial Point for UnderstandingUnderstanding

The The National National DirectoryDirectory: : “Written “Written BYBY Bishops, Bishops, FORFOR Bishops!”Bishops!”

It says what It says what bishops feel they bishops feel they need to say and need to say and to knowto know

How Will It Affect You?How Will It Affect You?

Underscores your Underscores your relationship, as an relationship, as an individual deacon AND individual deacon AND as a member of the as a member of the Order of Deacons, Order of Deacons, with your bishop.with your bishop.– Important for other Important for other

ecclesial relationshipsecclesial relationships Stresses the Stresses the

sacramental basis of sacramental basis of your ordination and your ordination and ministryministry

How Will It Affect You?How Will It Affect You?

Provides a national Provides a national “context” for “context” for formation, ministry formation, ministry and lifeand life– Greater consistency Greater consistency

between diocesesbetween dioceses Basic Standards for Basic Standards for

Ongoing FormationOngoing Formation– Personal, professional Personal, professional

growthgrowth– Growth as an Order of Growth as an Order of

DeaconsDeacons

Chapters 3 – 8: Formation Chapters 3 – 8: Formation & Diocesan Structures& Diocesan Structures

Formation: Formation:

Dimensions, Perspectives, Dimensions, Perspectives, StandardsStandards

““Come è a conoscenza”Come è a conoscenza”

Congregation for Catholic Education, Congregation for Catholic Education, 16 July 196916 July 1969

Discussed various issues regarding Discussed various issues regarding formation of deacons, depending on formation of deacons, depending on location, states of life, and culturelocation, states of life, and culture

““Formation must be above that Formation must be above that required for a catechist and, in some required for a catechist and, in some way, analogous to that of the priest.”way, analogous to that of the priest.”

Three “Paths” of One Three “Paths” of One ProgramProgram

Three Paths:Three Paths:– aspirantaspirant– candidatecandidate– post-ordinationpost-ordination

Each Path consists of the four Each Path consists of the four dimensions essential to complete dimensions essential to complete formationformation– PPF, Diaconate, Lay Ecclesial MinistryPPF, Diaconate, Lay Ecclesial Ministry

DimensionsDimensions

DirectoryDirectory echoes echoes Pastores Dabo Pastores Dabo VobisVobis and the Vatican and the Vatican Basic NormsBasic Norms– Human DimensionHuman Dimension– Spiritual DimensionSpiritual Dimension– Intellectual DimensionIntellectual Dimension– Pastoral DimensionPastoral Dimension

PerspectivesPerspectives

Each of these dimensions are to be Each of these dimensions are to be viewed through four “lenses” or viewed through four “lenses” or themes particularly relevant to themes particularly relevant to diaconal ministry in the U. S.:diaconal ministry in the U. S.:– family perspectivefamily perspective– multicultural sensitivitymulticultural sensitivity– social justice advocacysocial justice advocacy– ecumenical perspectiveecumenical perspective

Human DimensionHuman Dimension

Aims to shape the Aims to shape the minister to be “a minister to be “a bridge, not an bridge, not an obstacle, for others obstacle, for others in their meeting in their meeting with Christ.” (with Christ.” (Basic Basic NormsNorms, 2), 2)

ability to relate to ability to relate to othersothers

Pope says this one Pope says this one most basic of allmost basic of all

Spiritual DimensionSpiritual Dimension

Human dimension “leads Human dimension “leads to & finds its completion to & finds its completion in the spiritual”in the spiritual”

““constitutes the heart constitutes the heart and unifying center of and unifying center of Christian discipleship”Christian discipleship”

objective: “to bring to objective: “to bring to fulfillment the new life fulfillment the new life received in baptism.”received in baptism.”

Intellectual DimensionIntellectual Dimension

““Substantial Substantial nourishment for the nourishment for the human & spiritual human & spiritual dimensions of his life”dimensions of his life”

educated society & educated society & leadership role in leadership role in ministry require:ministry require:

knowledge of faith & knowledge of faith & church must be church must be “complete & serious”“complete & serious”

Pastoral DimensionPastoral Dimension

Integrated Integrated formation relates formation relates personal, spiritual & personal, spiritual & intellectual intellectual dimensions to dimensions to pastoral practicepastoral practice

““servant-leadership” servant-leadership” of the ordainedof the ordained

balanced approach balanced approach to triple to triple munusmunus

““Model Standards”Model Standards”

““the standards formerly known as the standards formerly known as ‘competencies’”‘competencies’”

a unique contribution of the a unique contribution of the DirectoryDirectory, , although published separatelyalthough published separately

lays out standards under each lays out standards under each dimension for each path of the overall dimension for each path of the overall formation programformation program

examplesexamples

Concluding ObservationsConcluding Observations

Diaconate is entering a new, more Diaconate is entering a new, more mature phase of developmentmature phase of development

Vatican and US bishops are building Vatican and US bishops are building on experiences of diaconate in on experiences of diaconate in developing it for the futuredeveloping it for the future– focus on sacramental identity as prior to focus on sacramental identity as prior to

functionfunction– deacons as diocesan, not just parish, deacons as diocesan, not just parish,

ministersministers


DiakoniaDiakonia is a single reality lived in is a single reality lived in three, integrated aspects of Word, three, integrated aspects of Word, Worship, & Charity: it is ALL service: Worship, & Charity: it is ALL service: BALANCE!BALANCE!

Our identity is a participation in Our identity is a participation in Christ Himself, the first Deacon. No Christ Himself, the first Deacon. No matter what we DO, it is who we matter what we DO, it is who we ARE that is criticalARE that is critical

Our sacramental identity is found Our sacramental identity is found and constituted in the balanced and constituted in the balanced exercise of all three aspectsexercise of all three aspects


Formation is forever: discernment to Formation is forever: discernment to deathdeath

Formation involves the whole personFormation involves the whole person– who we are (human) finds its fulfillment in who we are (human) finds its fulfillment in

the spiritual; both of these dimensions are the spiritual; both of these dimensions are nourished by the intellectual and all of these nourished by the intellectual and all of these lead to pastoral servicelead to pastoral service

Formation is within and for a particular Formation is within and for a particular context:context:– family (our own & others), multicultural, family (our own & others), multicultural,

social action (specific needs of community), social action (specific needs of community), and ecumenicaland ecumenical


Finally, there are recognized Finally, there are recognized standards (“competencies”) that can standards (“competencies”) that can help us all in our growth as Christ’s help us all in our growth as Christ’s disciples in ministrydisciples in ministry

These standards are useful tools at These standards are useful tools at every step of the formation journey: every step of the formation journey: discernment/selection, candidacy, discernment/selection, candidacy, and post-ordinationand post-ordination

Session IV:Session IV:The Diaconate in the FutureThe Diaconate in the Future

As we close:As we close:

Some general principles, using Some general principles, using Cardinal Walter Kasper as guideCardinal Walter Kasper as guide

10 “Points to Ponder”10 “Points to Ponder”

Cardinal Walter KasperCardinal Walter Kasper TheologianTheologian Former Bishop of Former Bishop of

Rottenburg-StuttgartRottenburg-Stuttgart Prefect, Council for Prefect, Council for

Christian UnityChristian Unity

Cardinal Walter KasperCardinal Walter Kasper ““The Diaconate” in The Diaconate” in

Leadership in the Leadership in the Church: How Church: How Traditional Roles Can Traditional Roles Can Serve the Christian Serve the Christian Community Today Community Today (NY: Crossroad, 2003)(NY: Crossroad, 2003)

Concrete Observations on Concrete Observations on Diaconate Today: The BasicsDiaconate Today: The Basics

““Renewal of diaconate is Renewal of diaconate is first of all a spiritual task. first of all a spiritual task. The basic spiritual The basic spiritual attitude of the deacon attitude of the deacon must make it clear that must make it clear that the Christian paththe Christian path is not is not an ascent or a triumphal an ascent or a triumphal march in glory, but march in glory, but a a path that looks path that looks downward, following downward, following Jesus ChristJesus Christ, who , who descended from heaven.” descended from heaven.” (p. 39)(p. 39)

A “perceptive eye”A “perceptive eye”

This basic attitude of the This basic attitude of the deacon must “include a deacon must “include a perceptive eye for those perceptive eye for those suffering distress, suffering distress, illness, or fear. The task illness, or fear. The task is to bring a healing that is to bring a healing that sets free and empowers sets free and empowers them to trust and so to them to trust and so to serve and love others in serve and love others in their turn.” (p.40)their turn.” (p.40)

LG29: “…supremely necessary LG29: “…supremely necessary for life of the Church.”for life of the Church.”

““The goal of diaconal The goal of diaconal activity is not simply activity is not simply help, help, but the but the empowering of lifeempowering of life, so , so that those who lie that those who lie prostrate may get to prostrate may get to their feet. . . . In some their feet. . . . In some situations, situations, the deacon the deacon can and must become can and must become the public advocatethe public advocate of of the weak and powerless the weak and powerless and of all those who and of all those who have no other voice or have no other voice or lobby.” (p. 40)lobby.” (p. 40)

Concrete tasks….Concrete tasks….

The deacon = “contact partner” for all The deacon = “contact partner” for all those in need & they must be able to look those in need & they must be able to look confidently to him for help. confidently to him for help.

Since his ministry includes word-worship-Since his ministry includes word-worship-charity, deacon can make others aware of charity, deacon can make others aware of connection between faith and life.connection between faith and life.

““In his ministry of the altar, he lays the In his ministry of the altar, he lays the needs of human beings on the eucharistic needs of human beings on the eucharistic table, and naturally he also speaks of table, and naturally he also speaks of these needs when he preaches. He must these needs when he preaches. He must make the parish aware of urgent situations make the parish aware of urgent situations of need, motivating them to share with of need, motivating them to share with one another and to give practical help.”one another and to give practical help.”

More concrete tasksMore concrete tasks

One essential task consists One essential task consists in finding, training, and in finding, training, and guiding volunteers, guiding volunteers, concentrating more on concentrating more on accompanying them accompanying them professionally, personally, professionally, personally, and spiritually….and spiritually….

Ideally, the deacon should Ideally, the deacon should initiate and support self-initiate and support self-help groups, e.g., for single help groups, e.g., for single parents or drug addicts. parents or drug addicts. Note that this cuts across Note that this cuts across church boundaries!church boundaries!

Still more….Still more….

More than the parish. More than the parish. Assigned to a parish, but Assigned to a parish, but with a broader scope as with a broader scope as well: city, deanery, regionwell: city, deanery, region

LEADERSHIP: “as the LEADERSHIP: “as the official representative of official representative of the community” he is the the community” he is the obvious contact person for obvious contact person for regional Catholic charity regional Catholic charity organizations and health organizations and health centers. He should be centers. He should be represented in ecumenical represented in ecumenical diaconal associations.diaconal associations.

Finally….Finally….

““Deacons of a diocese Deacons of a diocese also form an advisory also form an advisory body that can be the body that can be the bishop’s eyes and ears bishop’s eyes and ears with respect to human with respect to human needs, and they can needs, and they can help him to be the help him to be the “father of the poor”“father of the poor”

10 Points to Ponder: #110 Points to Ponder: #1

Ordained diaconate is a Ordained diaconate is a RADICAL commitment RADICAL commitment to share in Christ’s to share in Christ’s kenotic missionkenotic mission

Reflection: How Reflection: How “kenotic” is my own “kenotic” is my own approach to ministry?approach to ministry?

Understanding Understanding kenosiskenosis

A reading of John A reading of John 1313

Washing of feet is Washing of feet is more than simple more than simple or menial serviceor menial service

It is a sign, a It is a sign, a foretaste of foretaste of Christ’s passion Christ’s passion and deathand death

Understanding Understanding kenosiskenosis

Jesus uses this sign Jesus uses this sign to illustrate the to illustrate the type of leadership type of leadership to be exercised by to be exercised by the Apostles: a the Apostles: a similar similar kenotickenotic diakoniadiakonia

A willingness to A willingness to surrender surrender everything to care everything to care for anotherfor another


Ordination is also a share of the bishop’s Ordination is also a share of the bishop’s apostolic ministry: “eyes, ears, heart, soul” of apostolic ministry: “eyes, ears, heart, soul” of the bishopthe bishop

Relationship with the bishop is criticalRelationship with the bishop is critical ““Let loose the Deacons!”: Are we ready?Let loose the Deacons!”: Are we ready?


Points #1 & #2 Points #1 & #2 Get out of our Get out of our comfort zones; comfort zones; diaconate is RISKdiaconate is RISK

Will what I’m Will what I’m doing now help doing now help prevent another prevent another Dachau?Dachau?


Ordination means Ordination means LEADERSHIPLEADERSHIP

Vision, hope, Vision, hope, inspiration, inspiration, challenge, pouring challenge, pouring out oneself for out oneself for othersothers

Willing/capable of Willing/capable of leadership?leadership?


Don’t get stuck in Don’t get stuck in old patterns of old patterns of ministry; be ministry; be creative; risk creative; risk creating new forms creating new forms of ministryof ministry

E.g., Preaching: but E.g., Preaching: but with a difference!with a difference!

Truck stop ministry, Truck stop ministry, Apostleship of the Apostleship of the Sea….Sea….


Don’t get co-opted Don’t get co-opted into another’s into another’s share of ministry share of ministry (priests or laity)(priests or laity)

DMLPD 40DMLPD 40

DLMPD 40:DLMPD 40:

In every case it is important In every case it is important that deacons fully exercise that deacons fully exercise their ministry: in preaching, in their ministry: in preaching, in liturgy and in charity to the liturgy and in charity to the extent that circumstances extent that circumstances permit. They should not be permit. They should not be relegated to marginal duties, relegated to marginal duties, be made merely to act as be made merely to act as substitutes, nor discharge substitutes, nor discharge duties normally entrusted to duties normally entrusted to non-ordained members of the non-ordained members of the faithful.faithful.


Don’t get co-opted Don’t get co-opted into another’s into another’s share of ministry share of ministry (priests or laity)(priests or laity)

DMLPD 40DMLPD 40 What is our unique What is our unique

strand of ministry?strand of ministry?


Be Mobile: Stir the Be Mobile: Stir the pot, enable, pot, enable, empower, let go, empower, let go, move on. move on.

Example of St. PaulExample of St. Paul


Always think and Always think and act WITH the act WITH the Church; develop a Church; develop a mens ecclesiaemens ecclesiae

Know how to use Know how to use our sources, our sources, especially especially Scripture, Vatican Scripture, Vatican II, etc.II, etc.


Minister everywhere Minister everywhere (not just “in the (not just “in the Church” but in whole Church” but in whole community)community)

Our ministry in the Our ministry in the sanctuary is critically sanctuary is critically important BECAUSE important BECAUSE of what we’re doing of what we’re doing outside the outside the sanctuarysanctuary

10 Points to Ponder: #10 10 Points to Ponder: #10

Balance, balance, Balance, balance, balance!balance!

Triple Triple munusmunus Priorities: avoid the Priorities: avoid the

heresy!heresy!

Final Observation: Final Observation: The Diaconate is The Diaconate is NOT a Program!NOT a Program!

the renewed diaconate: past, present, future deacon william t. ditewig, ph.d. executive director...

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