tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8254272216866737058.post8317370279776065033..comments2024-03-25T20:03:03.657-06:00Comments on Καθολικός διάκονος: Deacons and priests need to work togetherDeacon Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01385969740195992108noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8254272216866737058.post-17260346185526695202016-10-27T10:59:00.960-06:002016-10-27T10:59:00.960-06:00It was a clever answer, but I think it revealed he...It was a clever answer, but I think it revealed he hadn't done his homework. When I acquire a new theology of ministry or pastoral ministry book, I go to the index and look for "deacon" and "diaconate". If the author didn't factor in the diaconate, his/her work is incomplete and out-of-date. It reflects an inadequate ecclesiology, meaning it is fundamentally flawed. Deacons probably do more evangelism than any of the other groups mentioned. <br /><br />I agree with what you assert about what our work is. I gladly accept the challenge and hope to make a contribution at some point.Deacon Scotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01385969740195992108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8254272216866737058.post-38207962252241157012016-10-27T10:40:21.177-06:002016-10-27T10:40:21.177-06:00A couple of years ago, the NADD had their annual c...A couple of years ago, the NADD had their annual convention in Minneapolis and I was able to attend. One of the keynote speakers was George Weigel. He spoke of his book "Evangelical Catholicism" (I think that is the title). In it, he talks about priests, bishops, laity,and religious and their potential role in evangelism, but no mention of the diaconate. One of my brother directors, well-known nationally, confronted him about this, and he said it was up to us (deacons) to write that chapter. At first, I was a little irritated by the statement, but with reflection, I found myself agreeing.<br /><br />Thus, what you and I do in our lifetimes will have an effect for the next generation of deacons. It is an exciting time, in that way, to be writing and thinking aoout diaconal vision and mission.Deacon Bob Yerhothttp://bob.yerhot.orgnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8254272216866737058.post-82026882689530486462016-10-27T09:20:53.425-06:002016-10-27T09:20:53.425-06:00Well-stated. Deacons need to be formed and allowed...Well-stated. Deacons need to be formed and allowed to foster the ecclesial imagination that includes us. It is stunning to me how many books and articles on parish pastoral ministry continue to be published that simply ignore the ministry of deacons. Permanent deacons in my diocese already outnumber priests. When our new class of 15 deacons is ordained early next year, the differential will become quite significant. Why invest the time, energy, and resources forming and ordaining ministers who will be underemployed and, in some cases, unemployed when it comes to ministry?Deacon Scotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01385969740195992108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8254272216866737058.post-75199319162433859872016-10-27T09:09:54.117-06:002016-10-27T09:09:54.117-06:00I didn't think your post was cynical at all, j...I didn't think your post was cynical at all, just a realistic description of the landscape. <br /><br />Yes, our bishops need to initiate and the Vicar for Clergy needs to assist in implementing the bishop's vision/mission for his deacons. Somehow, the bishops, priests, and laity need to develop an ecclesial imagination that is inclusive of deacons. So many people have an active image of a priest or bishop or religious sister or brother, but no ecclesial image of deacons. I think we deacons are going to have to develop that image to be apprehended by others. Takes time. Maybe another generation.... Deacon Bob Yerhothttp://bob.yerhot.orgnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8254272216866737058.post-5447278963064516872016-10-26T14:17:24.710-06:002016-10-26T14:17:24.710-06:00Bob:
I agree. I didn't want my post to sound...Bob:<br /><br /> I agree. I didn't want my post to sound cynical or accusatory, but hopeful. It really is something that dioceses need to focus on. It needs to be at the instigation of the bishop and carried out by his Vicar for Clergy. The primary co-workers the bishop is given for carrying out his ministry are his priests and deacons. <br /><br /> Given the many unmet pastoral needs, this should be a given major focus.Deacon Scotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01385969740195992108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8254272216866737058.post-40111743987844090102016-10-26T12:22:36.634-06:002016-10-26T12:22:36.634-06:00Deacon Scott,
Once again, thank you for your thou...Deacon Scott,<br /><br />Once again, thank you for your thoughts. I cannot but agree with so much of what you describe. The bind that many deacons seem to experience, i.e., they are considered marginally competent and thus marginalized in pastoral planning, or perceived as a ministry threat because of their competencies and charisms, is difficult to endure. <br /><br />I have for several years worked on building fraternity among deacons and priests, with slow but steady success. I emphasize slow. I personally refuse to "dumb down" my ministry, but I never deliberately diminish the priests with whom I minister. <br /><br />My experience often is deacons are not well-led, but well-controlled. Rather than managing and controlling, deacons need vision and mission, both of which I have tried to articulate for my brothers in the diaconate and the presbyterate. Most deacons I know are dedicated, skilled men who have proven themselves in family, career, and Church before entering formation, and are eager to serve if led well without unnecessary hindrances placed before them.<br /><br />One thing is clear to me and that is the Holy Spirit is at work in the diaconate. We must not hinder Him or His work.<br /><br />Thank you for your diaconal ministry.<br /><br />BTW: I too was on retreat this past week. Deacon Bob Yerhothttp://bob.yerhot.orgnoreply@blogger.com