Customer Reviews

The Deacon Reader

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4 star:		(1)
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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.

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"!

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.

What exactly is a Deacon? How does a Deacon relate to laity and other clergy? Why is the Diaconate needed in the Latin church after laying dormant for centuries? In a series of writings this book explores these and many other questions. A must for those in formation or discerning a call to the diaconate, this is also an outstanding reference for those who were ordained many years ago.

As someone going through the permanent diaconate application process, this book is terrific for gaining a deeper understanding of the order of deacon in the Roman Catholic church. The breadth of topics is good and the writing is accessible. If you want to have a good idea of what you believe is your vocation in the church, then this book is wholeheartedly recommended.

Introduction / James Keating --

PART ONE: Historical and Theological Foundations for Diaconal Identity

The history of the diaconate / Edward J. Enright --
The contemporary renewal of the diaconate / William T. Ditewig --
The deacon and Gaudium et spes / Paul McPartlan --
The diaconate as medius ordo : service in promotion of lay participation / William S. McKnight --
The deacon : icon of the sign of hope / Michael Ross --
The moral life of the deacon / James Keating --

PART TWO: Pastoral Foundations for Diaconal Identity

Theological education and the diaconate / Charles A. Bobertz --
Father and shepherd / Gerald F. Kicanas --
The deacon and personal prayer / Owen F. Cummings --
The deacon and work / Thomas Baker --
The sacramental ministry of the deacon in parish life / Ray R. Noll --

PART THREE: Sociological Foundations for Diaconal Identity and Marriage

The diaconate and marriage : a sociological reflection / Mark A. Latcovich --
The deacon's wife : an emerging role / Rebecca Meehan --

Epilogue : the kenotic leadership of deacons / William T. Ditewig.

This is an excellent book to understand the role of a deacon in the modern church. The book consists of essays written by experts that deal with different aspects of the diaconate. This is the best overall book I have read that presents a clear picture of what it means to be a deacon. I have been discerning whether I was being called to the diaconate for the last couple of years and this book has been very helpful to me in this search. Topics such as the history of the diaconate, deacon spirituality, family relationships, and service are all covered. After reading this book I feel I have a much better understanding of the role of the deacon in the modern church and it has been of immense help to me in discerning my future.