Deacons serve their parishes, and are involved in many ministries in the Diocese of Charlotte. Learn about parish, prison and airport ministries.
Directory for the Ministry and Life of Permanent Deacons
Parish Ministry
Diaconal Service: What Does a Deacon Do?
The terms “Deacon” and “Diaconate” derive from the Greek word diakonia which means “service” or “ministry.” A deacon, then, is ordained by the Church for service. But what kind of service?
The Dogmatic Constitution on the Church speaks of three areas of diaconal service: Ministry of Charity, Ministry of the Word, and Ministry of Liturgy.
Ministry of the Word
The deacon proclaims the Gospel. He is an agent of evangelization, that is, of announcing the Good News of Christ in society. He also preaches at liturgical gatherings, and teaches in religious education programs, sacramental preparation programs.
| Diocese of Charlotte Areas of Involvement | |
| MINISTER OF THE WORD | |
| ☐ Evangelization / RCIA | ☐ Confirmation Preparation |
| ☐ Adult Faith Formation | ☐ Outreach to Alienated Catholics |
| ☐ Bible Study / Prayer Ministry | ☐ Retreat / Cursillo / Marriage Encounter Minister |
| ☐ Baptism Preparation | ☐ First Reconciliation / Communion Preparation |
| ☐ Teaching / Writing / Mentoring | ☐ Other ____ |
| ☐ Marriage Preparation / Marriage Encounter | ☐ Other ____ |
| ☐ Religious Education for Children | ☐ Other ____ |
Diaconal Service: What Does a Deacon Do?
The terms “Deacon” and “Diaconate” derive from the Greek word diakonia which means “service” or “ministry.” A deacon, then, is ordained by the Church for service. But what kind of service?
The Dogmatic Constitution on the Church speaks of three areas of diaconal service: Ministry of Charity, Ministry of the Word, and Ministry of Liturgy.
Ministry of Altar (Liturgy)
The deacon assists at the Eucharistic Celebration, and in administering and assisting in the sacraments and liturgies of the Church. The deacon of today has the flexibility to dedicate his special talents under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and through the Church, to contribute to the mission of the Church within his own world of community activity. The diaconate broadens the concept of ministry and makes it possible for others to share their talents in varying ways. The summons of his bishop, the needs of the community, the deacon’s own specific competence and the guidance of the Church’s pastor will help him decide how to use his resources wisely and effectively.
| Diocese of Charlotte Areas of Involvement | |
| MINISTER OF ALTAR (LITURGY) | |
| ☐ Proclaim the Gospel at Holy Mass | ☐ Conduct Liturgy of Hours and Prayer Services |
| ☐ Assist at Holy Mass | ☐ Preside at Word and Communion Services |
| ☐ Preach Homily at Holy Mass | ☐ Conduct Public Rites of Blessings |
| ☐ Preside at Wakes and Funerals | ☐ Witness Marriages |
| ☐ Celebrating Baptisms | ☐ Participate / Assist in Diocesan Rites / Events |
| ☐ Officiate at Benediction / Exposition | ☐ Other ___ |
Diaconal Service: What Does a Deacon Do?
The terms “Deacon” and “Diaconate” derive from the Greek word diakonia which means “service” or “ministry.” A deacon, then, is ordained by the Church for service. But what kind of service?
The Dogmatic Constitution on the Church speaks of three areas of diaconal service: Ministry of Charity, Ministry of the Word, and Ministry of Liturgy.
Ministry of Charity
The deacon is ordained to be a witness to the Gospel through a life of service. A deacon serves through his person-to-person encounters: he ministers to the poor, the aged, the sick, prisoners. He participates in programs dealing with community problems like substance or child abuse. The deacon works with youth and young adults in various parish and/or community programs. The deacon is obliged to be a positive influence for change in the world…so that society may be renewed by Christ and transformed into the family of God.
| Diocese of Charlotte Areas of Involvement | |
| MINISTER OF CHARITY | |
| ☐ Ministry to Sick / Elderly / Bereaved | ☐ Ministry to Racial / Ethnic Minorities |
| ☐ Hospital / Nursing Home Ministry | ☐ Prison Ministry |
| ☐ Counseling / Spiritual Guidance / Chaplaincy | ☐ Airport Ministry |
| ☐ Outreach to Poor – Homeless Shelters / Soup Kitchen | ☐ Tribunal Advocate |
| ☐ Social Justice and Community Organizing / Advocacy | ☐ Campus / Young Adult Ministry |
| ☐ Pro-Life Ministry | ☐ Other____ |
| ☐ Youth Ministry | ☐ Other____ |
Diaconal Service: What Does a Deacon Do?
The terms “Deacon” and “Diaconate” derive from the Greek word diakonia which means “service” or “ministry.” A deacon, then, is ordained by the Church for service. But what kind of service?
The Dogmatic Constitution on the Church speaks of three areas of diaconal service: Ministry of Charity, Ministry of the Word, and Ministry of Liturgy.
Administration
There will be times when deacons will be called upon to support diocesan and parish administrative duties. The diocesan roles could be in the area of diaconal personnel, diaconal formation, prison ministry, airport ministry, diocesan commission, diocesan ministries and project based activities. Even within a parish assignment there could be facilities, financial, and office management duties that could be performed by a deacon.
Deacons: A Special Role to Play in the World
“Taking an active part in society belongs to the baptismal mission of every Christian in accordance with his or her state in life, but the permanent deacon has a special witness to give. The sacramental grace of his ordination is meant to strengthen him and to make his efforts fruitful, even as his secular occupation gives him entry into the temporal sphere in a way that is normally not appropriate for other members of the clergy.”
— Saint Pope John Paul II in his address to the Deacons of the United States
Prison Ministry
- Organization
- Resources
- Parish / Institutions
- Programs
Airport Ministry
- Organization
- Resources
- Liturgy
- Outreach