The Deacon Reader [Paperback]

James Keating (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2006

The essays collected in this book, which is sure to be at the foundation of every deacon's library, aim to give the reader an overview of the theological and pastoral nature of the diaconate and thus to clarify the fundamental identity of the deacon, for those who are discerning such a call as aspirants and those who are already candidates for the office.

Editor and contributor James Keating divides the book into three sections: historical and theological foundations, pastoral foundations, and sociological foundations for the diaconate, i.e., the core elements of the diaconal identity. Some of the subjects covered are the history of the diaconate, the morality of the deacon, the deacon and work, and the deacon's wife.

The most significant deacon theologians contribute to this text as well as priest experts on the diaconate. It is a complete systematic academic text for the first years of formation of deacons according to the New Roman National Directory (2005). As such, it is indispensable.

This is the first text ever that specifies the theological formation of the deacon student over a range of themes and specialties. There is nothing like it in print.

Editorial Reviews

Review

I welcome this publication as it offers a comprehensive set of articles that will facilitate teaching and discussion. -- Most Rev. Blase J. Cupich, STD Bishop of Rapid City

The Deacon Reader is a comprehensive, informative and inspiring overview of the diaconate. -- Greg Kandra, Deacon Candidate, Diocese of Brooklyn

The authors have captured the powerful movement of the Holy Spirit in this awesome and exciting development of diaconal ministry. -- Most Rev. William F. Skylstad, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

This collection of essays is a valuable tool for anyone who wants to know more about the Order of Deacons. -- Most Rev. Daniel R. Jenky, C.S.C., Bishop of Peoria

This excellent book of essays is a must read, not only for the diaconal community, but for the entire Church. -- Most Rev. Howard J. Hubbard, Bishop of Albany, New York

About the Author

James Keating, PhD, editor of the Josephinum Journal of Theology, is associate professor of moral theology in the school of theology at the Pontifical College Josephinum, Columbus, OH.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Paulist Press (May 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0809143895
• ISBN-13: 978-0809143894
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #96,143 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Bill Ditewig was born and raised in Peoria, Illinois, and he spent high school and college studying for the Catholic priesthood. After leaving the seminary, he joined the United States Navy, serving for 22 years as a linguist (Hebrew and Russian) and cryptologic officer in assignments at sea and in various locations around the world. He retired from the Navy as a Commander in 1993.

Throughout his military service, Bill remained active in various church ministries, including administering a remote parish in the absence of a resident pastor; he would later write a book on that experience. In 1990, while still on active duty in the Navy, he was ordained a Catholic deacon for the Archdiocese of Washington, DC by Cardinal James Hickey.

Bill has served as Associate principal of a Catholic high school and as a diocesan official in several dioceses. From 2002-2007 he was the Executive Director of the Secretariat for the Diaconate at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in Washington, DC. Since 2007, he is Professor of Theology and Religious Studies at Saint Leo University in Florida.

Bill has a BA in Philosophy, an MA in Education, another MA in Pastoral Theology, and the Ph.D. in Theology from the Catholic University of America. He has written a number of books, chapters and articles, focusing on ministry in general and on the renewed ministry of the Catholic diaconate in particular. He is a frequent presenter at study days, convocations, retreats and is a frequent guest on radio and television programs interested in ministry and the Catholic Church.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended, May 31, 2007

By 

Brandon J. Kraft (Austin, Texas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Deacon Reader (Paperback)

I purchased this book from a vendor at a deacon's continuing education conference (sorry Amazon! Disclosure: I'm not a deacon; I was hired by the conference to provide AV support.)

As I discern if I'm called to the order of deacons, I found this book very insightful and provided great depth without a steep learning curve. Previously, I had read some about the theology of a deacon, but nothing compared to the ease of reading of this material. That being said, the material was "easy" or "light"; it was easy to read while challenging my academic and spiritual senses.

If you're interested in the meaning of "deacon", read this book. Look up the Catholic Press Association book awards, this text just won a few.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great reading for those interested in the diaconate, May 21, 2007

By 

Joseph C. Marotta (Lynchburg, Virginia United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Deacon Reader (Paperback)

As someone who is seriously considering a calling to the permanent diaconate, I found this book to be outstanding! It is a comprehensive discussion of all aspects of the ministry. I was especially impressed by the easy to read style that is appropriate for individuals who may be discerning a calling, but who do not have significant experience reading the usually dense writing styles of theological treatises.

It did a wonderful job of encouraging me to continue discerning my call to ordained ministry, while affirming my existing ministry in the "diaconate of the laity"!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for anyone, not just potential deacons., October 22, 2008

By 

Bobby Bambino (Lebanon, NH United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Deacon Reader (Paperback)

This book is a collection of several essays all on the permanent diaconate. I read this book from the disposition of being interested in someday possibly pursuing a calling to the diaconate, but it is meant for anyone with an interest in learning more about the diaconate. The first several essays go through the history of the diaconate, and it is actually quite fascinating. The history "ends" with the permanent diaconate really coming into the forefront at Vatican II. The essays spend a lot of time discussing Vatican II and the diaconate, something I had never known about before. Lots of good information.

The book discussed what it is that deacons do. Basically, they are thought of as a "bridge" between the laity and the ordained. They are of the world, yet they have undergone holy orders. There is an essay on deacons and their familys. Specifically, one essay talks about a study that was taken in Cleveland concerning deacons and their wives as far as their level of happiness, time together, etc went.

I have a much better understanding of the diaconate, as well as a much better appreciation for it after reading this book. It is still several years until it's even legal for me to consider schooling for the deaconate, but this book has given me a lot to ponder and think about. Definitely a step in the right direction.