A Permanent Deacon’s duties extend beyond assisting the priest at Mass. It is a ministry of service dedicating themselves to 10 or more hours per week serving the people of their parish and the Archdiocese. Ordained through the sacrament of Holy Orders, like a priest but without the special function of a priest; e.g. saying Mass, hearing confessions. Deacons can serve in many roles: prison chaplain, parish administrator, director of religious education and RCIA for adults, marriage and baptism preparation, baptisms, witness church marriages, teach in adult education classes, plan and  officiate at funerals, have communion services, take communion to and visit the sick and shut-ins.  These duties, which they do while still working to support their own family, involves training to receive their Holy Orders is a three-year process with monthly meetings, continuing faith education programs and spiritual retreats.  All of this training is supported through ADF.  The Archdiocese is blessed to have 82 active deacons and a class of 14 working toward their ordination in November of 2009.  

Developing the life of the Archdiocese through ministry