Dear Brothers and Sisters.
Standing in front of everyone sharing my faith is a lot easier than writing an article about being a Deacon. I do believe that God has a plan for each of us. Sometimes it is clearly laid out for each of us and sometimes it feels like He keeps needing to grab us by the arm and say "No, you need to go that way."
My vocation as a Deacon has been an important part of my life. Being a Deacon has allowed me to be part of the lives of many different people. Following the path that God has placed me on. Being part of many different lives in the good times and the not so good times.
I have a wonderful family who I enjoy spending time with. Watching my children grow up and becoming strong amazing people has been a wonderful experience. I am blessed to be part of their lives.
I knew I was on the path that I was supposed to be on during a Homiletics class I had. We were all supposed to be giving a homily in front of our peers. Public speaking was new to me and I was very nervous. I reached out to God for a little help. Just before I was to speak I felt a warm presence, a hug, letting me know everything was going to be ok.
I have been serving as an Ordained Permanent Deacon for the Diocese of Trenton for a number of years now. Each year has been a bit different and an opportunity to grow in my faith with those around me.
I serve as a Permanent Deacon for the Diocese of Trenton as a volunteer. My payment is serving God and being with the members of our Parish. If I ever have a down day, I always get a pick up when I pray and when I am with the members of our Parish.
I am an ordained minister who serves the Church in a special way, sharing the mission of Jesus Christ to care for God’s people. Assigned to our parish, but reporting to our Bishop.
"There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit gives them." - 1 Corinthians 12:4
As a deacon I assist during the Mass. I get to proclaim the Gospel following the directions that were given to me by our Bishop during my ordination. I prepare the altar, distribute Holy Communion, but do not perform the consecration.
A deacon offers guidance, prayer, and support, but I do not administer the Sacrament of Reconciliation. There are times that I have to remind people of that. I have been able to officiate at weddings, baptisms, and funerals.
Becoming ordained as Permanent Deacon is not something that happens quickly or casually. The Church follows clear steps and rules to ensure that the person is spiritually prepared to serve God's people in the mission entrusted by Jesus Christ, under the guidance of the Church led today by Pope Leo XIV.
Becoming a Deacon is not a short process. We go through a discernment period to see if we understand and are prepared to service God and His church. Being a Deacon is a life of faith and service.
For those that are single the age to start is at least 25 years old. If you are single when you become a Deacon you also take a vow of chastity. If you decide to marry someone, you need to confirm with the office of the bishop. Married men usually start the discernment around 35 years.
Being married my wife had to give her full consent for me to become a Deacon. The Church respects marriage as a sacred vocation. A wife is considered part of the journey because our ministry will affect family life and responsibilities. It requires family support.
It takes a few years of formation and training. During this time candidate studies Scripture, theology, Church teaching, and pastoral care. We also receive spiritual guidance and practical training in serving the community, assisting at Mass, and working with people in need. It requires serious preparation.
The final step is ordination by a bishop. After completing formation and receiving approval, we are ordained a deacon through the Sacrament of Holy Orders by our bishop. From that moment I became a permanent deacon, serving in the Church according to the needs of the diocese.
In the end, becoming a permanent deacon is not just about meeting requirements. It is a calling that involves faith, family support, formation, and a commitment to lifelong service in the Church. A permanent deacon is not chosen overnight, he is carefully formed, tested, and ordained to serve God's people faithfully for life.
Being ordained a Deacon is another step in the journey of faith. It is an opportunity to grow. It is an opportunity to be with those in a parish in the good times and the bad times. It is an opportunity to continue learning and sharing faith.
God bless you!
Deacon Fred
