Through the three areas of calling, formation and ordination, and ministry, The Heart of the Diaconate outlines what those who are considering the diaconate must possess if it is truly going to be an effective and vibrant ministry within the church. With a focus on availability to both prayer and ministry, the future of the diaconate must be mystical, youthful, and possessing one evangelical question, "Where has the gospel yet to reach, and how may I announce it in those places?" +

In volume offers insight and guidance regarding this new ministerial order both to those who are called into the diaconate, and those among whom they will minister. The book begins by locating the office of deacon within the larger United Methodist understanding the ministry of all God's people and of ordained ministers. Drawing on the stories of those whom God has called and ordained to the ministry of deacon, the authors portray the crucial link between the worship of the church and service to the world that is central to the office of deacon. The book concludes with answers to common questions asked by deacons and the churches in which their ministry takes place: Who pays for insurance? What about pensions? What responsibilities do deacons have to the congregations that hire them, and what to the conferences of which they are members?

Married deacons in the Catholic Church often face difficulties in reconciling the seemingly competing demands of family and Church. In striving to live out service to the People of God in two different sacraments, Matrimony and Holy Orders, often the first approach is to try to manage the demands according to predetermined priorities: "Which one comes first?" Yet, in this extended reflection Chaback completely reframes the question as one of integrated servanthood. Theologically profound, yet very pastoral in their practical approach, these essays help to explore the dynamic of living these two sacraments side-by-side, and indicate how the lived presence of Christ in the life of the deacon can shine forth as an integrated whole. Written from the Catholic perspective, Chaback's approach will be of interest to the married clergy of all traditions. Reflection questions are included. "Most valuable, both from the perspective of formation for the permanent diaconate, and the fruitful exercise of this important ministry in the Church." -Archbishop Beniamino Stella, Prefect of the Congregation of the Clergy. Msgr Chaback has been director of the Office of the Permanent Diaconate for the Diocese of Allentown since 2008. Ordained by Paul VI in 1970, Chaback earned his STD from the Pontifical Lateran University. He taught at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary from 1972 until 1992. "A small book with profound implications for married permanent deacons."--Catholic Lib. World

Winner of a 2022 Association of Catholic Publishers Excellence in Publishing Award: Resources for Ministry (Third Place). Whether you are seasoned from years of ministry or are just getting started living out the vows you made at ordination, this essential handbook will provide the spiritual and practical support you need as a Catholic deacon in the Church today. In Our Life of Service, international speaker and bestselling author Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers will inspire and uplift you as he and his brother deacons—including Greg Kandra, Larry Oney, Dominic Cerrato, and Thomas J. Fox—share their testimonies and insights about how to serve God with determination, faith, and vision. Burke-Sivers explains the gift of the diaconate as a living image of Christ the Servant in the world, a source of comfort and hope at a time when both are in short supply. Burke-Sivers explores the daily realities of life to answer important questions about the diaconate such as: What does the Church teach about the purpose of this ministry both within the parish and the world? How are the three key responsibilities of teaching, sanctifying, and leading entrusted to a deacon at ordination practiced in daily life? How does his commitment to his wife help a married deacon balance his duties to his family and ministry? What are practical strategies and solutions for the challenges deacons face, especially when conflicts arise within ministry? Burke-Sivers also calls for younger, more diverse groups of men who reflect on the face of the Church to become permanent deacons in order to bridge the gap between the Church and the world and to reach the unchurched. Each chapter contains questions for reflection, action steps, and prayers to help deacons strengthen their own commitment to their calling. Drawing from the writings of St. John Paul II and other ecclesial writings about the purpose and gift of the permanent diaconate, Burke-Sivers educates and inspires us to more fully appreciate this gift and enriches and encourages those who have themselves answered this call. Written for deacons in active ministry, Our Life of Service is also inspiring reading for Catholics in the pew who are considering a call or who simply want to understand the purpose and gift of the permanent diaconate.

From USCCB Publishing, this revision of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) seeks to promote more conscious, active, and full participation of the faithful in the mystery of the Eucharist. While the Missale Romanum contains the rite and prayers for Mass, the GIRM provides specific detail about each element of the Order of Mass as well as other information related to the Mass.

From the Congregation for Catholic Education and the Congregation for the Clergy.