To be ordained a deacon, a brother must [1]:
- be in solemn vows
- be at least twenty-three years of age
- be in the third year of theological studies
- have received the ministries of reader and acolyte, and
- obtain all necessary dispensations from impediments.
Within the Church there are two types of deacons: permanent and transitional.
Permanent deacons are ordained as such, without the intention of being ordained to the
presbyterate at a later date. Transitional deacons, are ordained to the diaconate
for a temporary period, and later they are ordained to the presbyterate in
permanence. All priests are first transitional deacons, and normally for a period of
time of six to twelve months. When entering the Order, you declare your intention of
being a cooperator brother or a clerical brother. A clerical brother will become a
priest, and cooperator brother will not. Neither will become permanent
deacons. If a candidate to the Order desires to become a permanent deacon, he
generally is referred to his local diocese. A permanent deacon can also be married,
so long as it is before his ordination.
[1] LCO 246, 4; Acts 1999, 104;
CIC 1031.1, 1035, 1037. |
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Photo to Enlarge
Rev. Br. Bryan Kromholtz proclaims the Word and preaches the homily
at Mass (1999). |
