Permanent Deacon
Following the Second Vatican Council, Pope Paul VI restored the order of permanent deacons to the Catholic Church. A permanent deacon is a man, 35 years of age or older, married or single, who is ordained for the ministry of Christ, “not for sacrifice [of the Mass], but for service” to the People of God. The deacon is the “Herald of Christ,” leading people to deeper love of our Lord in all the ways He is present for us now, and pointing to His future return in glory. The deacon’s ministry is liturgical, sacramental, and pastoral.
Those interested in learning more about the permanent diaconate and the process of formation for it in the Diocese of Sioux City should contact the Office of Deacons (davidl@scdiocese.org, or tjmurph57@hotmail.com; ph. 712-233-7512), or one of the following:
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Department of the Diaconate
Deacon William Ditewig, Director Emeritus
3211 Fourth Street NE, Washington DC, 20017-1194
(202) 541-3038 or e-mail: wditewig@usccb.org; www.usccb.org/deacon
National Association of Deacon Directors (NADD)
Deacon Sam Anzalone, Interim Director
2136 12th Street, Suite 105, Rockford IL, 61104