Deacons

We are blessed with five currently active deacons, who can all be contacted at 587-4372, or by sending email to info@ols-sa.org.

The Diaconate is a call to a ministry of service. It can take many forms. Most deacons serve in parish ministry, working with the pastor and staff in promoting the mission of the parish. The permanent diaconate was restored by Pope St. Paul VI, in 1967, upon the recommendation of the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council. It is one of the three levels of the Sacrament of Holy Orders [Bishop, Priest, Deacon].

The primary call to a deacon is to serve. The deacon brings the needs of the marginalized, the poor, the imprisoned, the sick and disabled to the altar. He sees that they are not forgotten or excluded from the liturgical and communal life of the parish.

Liturgically, the deacon assists the priest at Mass by proclaiming the Gospel, preparing the altar, and distributing the Holy Eucharist to the faithful. He may lead the invocations, the Act of Penitence, and dismiss the assembly at the end of Mass. He may deliver the homily at Mass and other liturgical celebrations with the permission of the pastor. The deacon may preside at baptisms, weddings, and funerals celebrated outside of Mass. He may also preside at the vigil for the deceased and their rites of committal. The Deacon may also expose the Most Blessed Sacrament and impart the Eucharistic Benediction.

At the discretion of the pastor, the deacon may also be involved in the preparation of couples for marriage, and instruct parents and sponsors before baptism, and candidates in the RCIA and Religious Education Programs.

A permanent deacon is called to Ordination by the Bishop after a period of academic and spiritual formation. In the Diocese of Trenton this is a five-year process.

A married man may be ordained deacon; however, if his wife dies, he may not remarry.

The diaconate is not a paid ministry but one of service, but a deacon may be hired by a parish to assume certain duties—e.g., director of religious education, business manager, etc.

Some of our deacons have shared the story of their calling with us. If you'd like to get to know our deacons better, try reading about how they heard and responded to Christ's call. You can find these stories on the Our Vocation Stories page.