Diaconate Call to Inquiry

I first heard the call to the diaconate through an outpouring of God’s grace on March 6, 2010, after going to reconciliation for the first time in 23 years. My life has been beautifully blessed ever since! Have you heard God calling you? Have others asked if you ever considered the diaconate? Do you know someone who would make a great deacon?

What is a deacon? The deacon’s title comes from the Greek word diakonos, which means service. All the Church is called to serve one another, but the deacon (who is configured to Christ the Servant) has a specific 3-fold purpose: service to the word, liturgy, and charity. The words the bishop says at ordination also describe a deacon well, “Receive the Gospel of Christ, whose herald you now are. Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach.”

I learned during formation that I can’t bring others to God if I don’t know Him. To positively impact the world around me, I start with me and my relationship with God. Daily prayer is critical – I understand that I can’t give what I don’t have. I can’t share a faith that I don’t practice. I can’t lead others to holiness if I’m not striving to be holy. I can’t bring others to the truth if I’m not pursuing it in my own life.

I now have an awareness of the humility and courage required to serve in the way Jesus invites us to serve. Jesus served to love and save us. This is not always easy, as the world offers much resistance. Serving is a blessing because we can love others. Love changes hearts, allowing God’s grace to reach the depths of the soul. If you have a love for souls as motivation to serve, every opportunity to live as a servant becomes a blessing. It is a blessing to live like Jesus, who came to serve and not be served, and to give his life as a ransom for many. I love being a deacon!

Bishop Joensen will be issuing the Call to Inquiry for the next formation class (Cohort XVIII) soon. Required Pre-Application Information Meetings for men and their wives (if married) have been scheduled. The closest meetings are scheduled for Christ the King on October 27th and St. Pius X on November 6th, both at 7:00 pm. For more information, contact vocations@dmdiocese.org, or call 515-237-5034. You’re also welcome to reach out to me or any of our St. Francis deacons with your questions.