Do you feel called to be a Permanent Deacon?Men interested in ordained ministry, along with their spouses, can learn more about the permanent diaconate this Fall at St. Mark’s College on the UBC campus.
This introductory seminar will take place over three Saturdays and address three perspectives on the deacon’s identity: history, theology, and practicalities. Participants are encouraged, but not required, to attend all three sessions as each of the three sessions will address a different perspective.
Dates:(Missed the September session? You can still attend in October and/or November!)
- Saturday, September 23, 2017
- Saturday, October 28, 2017
- Saturday, November 18, 2017
Schedule:
- 8:30 – Morning Prayer
- 9:00 – Course
- 12:00 – Lunch
- 1:00 – 2:00 – Spiritual Formation
The days begin with morning prayer in the Chapel at 8:30 am, a 3-hour session, then lunch and a short spiritual formation program. Men already preparing for the diaconate and some of their wives will be on campus taking courses as well, providing an opportunity for inquirers to meet and talk with them.
Cost: (covers all 3 dates)
$50 – Individual registration
$60 – Couple registration for husbands and wives attending together
Who is a deacon?
A Catholic deacon is an ordained minister who shares in the apostolic work of the Archbishop. The title “deacon” comes from the Greek word “diakonos,” which means “servant.” The vocation of deacon carries the profound responsibility to pour out one’s life in service to others, just as Christ who came “not to be served, but to serve.”
What does a deacon do?
Deacons are ordained “not for the priesthood, but for service.”
Deacons are official teachers and preachers of the Gospel, and they may preside at baptisms, marriages, funerals, and other forms of community prayers. They also share in the pastoral responsibilities of outreach, such as visiting the sick, the homebound, those imprisoned and in need. They cannot celebrate Mass, hear confessions, or anoint the sick. “By its very nature, the ministry of permanent deacons will help all of us -priests, consecrated women and men, and lay faithful – to live our baptismal call of building up the Body of Christ.
More information of Permanent Diaconate Program
Visit RCAV website for Permanent Diaconate
View Permanent Diaconate Info Sheet
Questions? Contact St. Mark’s College at [email protected]