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Greetings Members of CHT Rittenhouse Square!
As most of you may have heard by now, I have been assigned as a deacon-in-training to your congregation here. I am so excited to share this part of my formation journey with all of you! However, I also recognize that there are likely some of you who are not quite sure what a deacon does or who deacons are, and I thought this might be a good way to address some FAQs you may have in that regard. And I’m hoping that this will be the beginning of a much larger conversation about what it means to be called into ministry, whether as a lay or ordained person. So, without further ado…
What is a deacon? Are they like priests-in-training???
This is a somewhat complicated question. But first, I will say that I am not a priest-in-training. In the order of deacons, there are transitional deacons and vocational deacons. Transitional deacons are ordained as part of the process to becoming priests, whereas vocational deacons are ordained to the diaconate permanently. However, deacons and priests, though separate, are equal orders within the Church. (Confusing, right?) There are also those – especially within the order of deacons – who argue that the only deacons requiring a qualifier are transitional deacon…otherwise, you’re a deacon!
So then, what do deacons do if they aren’t priests?
Deacons are called to a “special ministry of servanthood” (BCP, p. 543) which includes serving those on the margins – the poor, the sick, and the lonely (among other groups). As I often like to say, deacons are the social workers of the Church. But, much like the social work field, what this looks like can vary. Essentially, deacons are called to be examples of Christ while also seeking to serve Christ in the face of the marginalized and call all baptized persons to do the same. The focus is on social justice and how this can be brought to fruition both within the Church and in the world. Sometimes they work outside of the parish in doing this, and sometimes they have specific ministries within the parish (e.g. opening up a food pantry or clothing closet).
Deacons are also called to serve within the Church during services, both on Sundays and other special occasions. They read and proclaim the Gospel, preach on occasion, announce the passing of the peace, assist in holy communion, assist the presiding priest during the service (or the bishop as the occasion arises), and announce the dismissal. In doing so, they are exemplifying again what it means to be a servant and emulating Christ’s example as servant of all.
If you want more information about the order of deacons, I highly recommend reading the examination for deacons in the BCP on p. 543, as well as Ormand Plater’s book Many Servants: An Introduction to Deacons. For a much more detailed in-depth dive check out the book The Diaconate: A Full and Equal Order by James Monroe Barnett.
What will you be doing as our deacon-in-training?
John, Rachel, and I came up with an agreement which covers various areas of ministry while I’m here, including participating in liturgical duties (which you have likely already witnessed), preaching, facilitating a formation class, gathering a group of intercessors to regularly write the Prayers of the People, visiting our homebound parishoners, and volunteering with the Open Hearts Café on occasion.
How long will you be here with us?
It is customary for the parish field placement to last until at least Easter and no later than Pentecost (which will be on May 28th); in my case, it will likely be the latter. In general, ordained deacons typically serve in parishes for about three years at a time, though this can vary, depending on the circumstances and the desire of the Bishop.
I look forward to working among and with all of you for the time I am here. God’s peace and blessings be with you all!
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