The permanent Diaconate, is an order of Ordained Ministry established in the early Church, and since the Second Vatican Council, has been re-instituted in the Church of today for the service of God, and of His People.
The permanent Deacon is a co-worker with the Order of Bishops, and together with Priests, forms the three Orders of ordained Ministry.
Every Bishop and Priest will have been ordained as a Deacon, and they continue to live that ministry of ordained service through their lives.
The Permanent Deaconate is open to married men as well as single, and is a vocation that is lived out by bringing the Gospel and the Sacraments to the People of God. This call by God to serve Him in the ordained Ministry is a call to love Him through service of the Church, by making a life long commitment to the Ordained State, and by living that service through practical means.
In Sacred Scripture we learn of the Order of Deacons being established to assist the Disciples in their work of Charity, of care and of bringing the Gospel to the lives of the followers of Christ.
This role is lived out by many men today, who have made this commitment to bring the Gospel and the Sacraments to the people by working with priests in their home parishes.
Just as with those who are called to the Priesthood, those who are called to the Permanent Diaconate come from many different and varying backgrounds, but bring a wealth of experience and ability to their ministry.
To find out more about this ministry, and to get help and advice in your discernment about your possible vocation as a permanent Deacon, please contact:
Canon Michael Lewis
Diaconal Vocations Director
The Presbytery Ithon Road
Llandrindod Wells
Powys LD1 6AS
Tel: 01597 822353