The permanent diaconate

What is a deacon?

A man ordained to a ministry of service. He is an ordained person living in the lifestyle of the laity—over 90 percent are married. The typical deacon attempts to balance three priorities: the responsibility of husband and father, his profession by which he earns a living or supplements retirement income, and his ministry of service. The deacon's service is threefold: service of the Word (proclaiming the Gospel message, teaching, conducting retreats, counseling), service of the altar (witnessing marriages, baptizing, presiding at wakes and funerals, conducting prayer services), and service of charity (serving the poor, giving voice to those who are silenced, being involved in social justice). Source: Youth Update Glossary, St. Anthony Messenger Press, 2002.

In the Catholic Church, deacons are “the eyes and ears of the bishop;” that is, they are the bishop’s immediate representatives in the execution of his concerns. They are his extended “sense perception” among the people. Deacons take note of the moral condition of the people, identify the sick and the needy, and oversee the bishop’s decisions concerning them. People often approach the bishop with their concerns through the deacons.

The Permanent Diaconate Program for the Diocese of Fargo was founded in 1978. There are currently 40 ordained permanent deacons serving the parishes of Eastern North Dakota. Additionally, there are several candidates studying for the Diaconate. Deacons in the Diocese of Fargo participate in nursing home care, ministry to the sick and homebound, jail ministry, St. Vincent de Paul, marriage preparation, alcohol and drug abuse ministry, peer counseling, Habitat for Humanity, wake and funeral services, baptism and communion services, RCIA, and many other Church ministries.

2012 Events Calendar

For more information on the Diaconate, please contact:

Deacon David Eblen
Director of Formation
5201 Bishops Blvd., Suite A
Fargo, ND 58104
Phone: 701-356-7903

Diocese of Fargo
5201 Bishops Blvd., Suite A
Fargo, ND 58104-7605
Phone: 701-356-7900
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website last modified: May 8, 2012.