Who is a Deacon? – Part Three

A deacon is tries to address the needs of the poor, the marginalized and the voiceless of our communities. Most deacons receive not only an assignment to serve in a parish, but they also develop a ministry within the broader community. Deacons serve in jails, nursing homes, immigrant camps, Catholic Worker houses, medical institutions, educational facilities and many other areas.  A deacon is actually ordained to diocesan service. In many ways, they are the bishop’s eyes and ears, making known to him and his priests the needs of the poor among us. A deacon does not do social work; rather he brings Christ and the Church to these various places through his presence and by witnessing to the Gospel as he is able. All three diaconal ministries must go together.  A deacon is always to preach the Word of God, show God’s love by works of charity, and then bring all of this each Sunday to the altar and offer it at Mass and in the other sacraments and liturgies of the Church.