Deacons are men who said, ‘yes,’ to the Lord

We’ve seen them in many of our parishes during the Mass alongside the priest. They wear the stole across their chest over the white alb. We’ve listened to them proclaim the Gospel and, at times, preach the homily. We’ve even seen them baptizing or being witnesses to a wedding. For many years they have been a part of the parish community.

These are the permanent deacons.

They are men who said “Yes!” to the Lord, committing themselves to an even greater role than they were already undertaking. It is a lifelong commitment of service to the people of God following the laying on of hands by the bishop at their ordination.

One day they received an invitation – almost always from their parish priest or another deacon – who saw in them a special gift for service to the community. And they then embarked on an adventure they felt the Lord calling them to. They knew, or at least could imagine, that not everything would be easy. But still, they answered: count on me.

Once accepted to the diaconate program, they dedicated themselves to their preparation for four years before being ordained. This was not an easy feat, given classes were in the evenings or on Saturdays, after a full day of work. But they dreamed of serving.

In our Archdiocese of Newark, we are blessed with many deacons, some of them Hispanic. Among these are Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, Peruvians, Cubans, Colombians, Ecuadorians, Salvadorians, and even a Spaniard. But we need more because time is fleeting, and they are few for the 80 parishes with a Spanish-speaking ministry. 

In 1967, following the Second Vatican Council (Vatican II), Pope Paul VI reinstated the permanent diaconate. For centuries, those to be ordained into the priesthood were first ordained into the diaconate. That is to say, that the diaconate was considered a step towards priesthood. And that remains the case. But Vatican II restored a tradition as ancient as the Church itself: the permanent diaconate. It is the ordination of men that do not aspire to be priests but rather to be ordained to serve and minister in a series of functions in the church.

“The generosity of a deacon who spends himself without seeking the front lines,” in the words of Pope Francis, “smells of the Gospel and tells of the greatness of God’s humility that takes the first step to meet even those who have turned their backs on Him.” He also reminds us that deacons, who are called “not for the priesthood but for service,” should not be “half or second-category priests” and “fancy altar boys,” but caring servants, making sure that the love of God touches the lives of the people most in need.

When Vatican II asked for the re-establishment of the permanent diaconate, it sought to enrich the Church with its ministries and strengthen by sacramental grace those who already live out in deed some of the diaconate functions and to endow sacred ministries where scarce. 

Although these men are part of the clergy, along with the bishops and priests, outside of the church, you will not see them dressed in distinctive clerical vestments. They will be in suits and ties or short-sleeved t-shirts. They are family men – most of them married with children or grandchildren – with varied focuses in their professions. They are living in the world but ordained to serve their community on its many diverse fronts.

When speaking with a group of Hispanic deacons in the Archdiocese of Newark, I asked them what type of ministry they are dedicated to. They are involved in everything their parish and the Archdiocese asks of them: religious education programs, distribution of food to those in need, the liturgy, baptismal preparation, pre-cana, spiritual directors for parish groups, funerals, hospital visits, marriage counseling, and more.

“I visit the jail weekly to take the Word of God to those who are detained, as well as to prepare those who request to receive the sacraments of initiation: baptism, confirmation, first communion. This has been an unexpected gift that I could never have imagined possible,” says Deacon Pedro Herrera of St. Rose of Lima in Newark. 

I am told that parishioners often feel closer to the deacon, who they see as one of them. They feel more kinship with him because he lives, works, and faces the same challenges as them. And so, the deacon is to serve as a bridge with the community.

We spoke about how they balance their family responsibilities with the responsibilities of the diaconate.

“It’s not a problem,” said Deacon Eduardo Pons. “On the contrary, the diaconate has united me more with my wife and my family. Of course, my wife has always supported me. That is fundamental.”

Deacons know well that the family is their priority. The sacrament of matrimony came first, with its blessings and responsibilities. Deacon Herrera adds, “The key is to know how to weave your family into your diaconate ministry and maintain your diaconate as the foundation for the family. When a deacon projects at the heart of his family his enthusiasm for his mission, the family not only lends its support, instead they participate in the work.”

There is joy and hope in this group of veteran deacons, who unabashedly confess their love for the Church has increased over the years.

I ask them what they would say to someone seeking to start on the journey to the diaconate.

“That they affirm their faith and strengthen their marriage if they are married. That they prepare themselves spiritually and pray that the Lord mold them to be authentic servants,” responded Deacon George Montalvo.

We hope those who feel called to the diaconate heed this advice. The Hispanic community needs them. 

If you are interested in the preparation program for the diaconate in Spanish, please contact Fr. Joseph Chapel at diaconate@standrewcc.com.