Our Deacons - A New Look?

A New Look for Our Deacons?

The Diocese of Trenton recently concluded an assessment of the diagonal formation program and ministry. Its results were presented at a convocation of deacons on the weekend of October 6–27. The assessment was undertaken to strengthen he academic and spiritual formation of candidates for the Diaconate.

Among the changes, deacons will have the option to wear a grey clerical shirt and deacon emblem/pin when they are carrying out their ministry—wake services, meetings with engaged couples, liturgical celebrations, etc. The clerical collar would not be worn otherwise (e.g., personal social functions, at restaurants, etc.).

The custom of deacons wearing a clerical collar is not inappropriate, since by sacred ordination, deacons are part of the clerical state. The adoption of this practice in our diocese will help make deacons identifiable and provides a witness to their vocation.