My dear parishioners,
This weekend we are hosting the Permanent Diaconate ordination for the Diocese of Dallas.
Congratulations to Deacon Chris Schraeder and his wife, Kat, and their family! We also congratulate Deacon Chris’ classmates as they begin their ministry. You can view the live stream
HERE.
Permanent Deacons in the Catholic Church are men who are 35 years old or older at the time of ordination. They may be married, but may not remarry upon the death of their spouse. They often hold full-time jobs, but many are retired. Diaconate formation normally takes from five to six years.
Deacons were part of the early Church and are mentioned in scripture. The office of Deacon slowly declined through the centuries to the point that, by the Council of Trent (1545-1563), the only men ordained Deacons were seminarians completing their last year of theological studies and preparing for priesthood. At the Second Vatican Council (1962-65), Pope Paul VI revived the practice of ordaining men to the Permanent Diaconate. Today Deacons are an essential part of church life.