Ministry of the Liturgy – A Ministry of the Word – A Ministry of Charity and Justice
Might You Have a Calling to the Permanent Diaconate? Find out more at an Informational Night Sunday, April 28, 6:30-8:00pm Zwisler Hall St. Sebastian Parish, Akron, OH Presenter: Deacon David Kushner, Associate Director Diaconate Formation Program, Diocese of Cleveland From the North and West: Take I-77 to Exit 132 (White Pond Ave.). Turn left, cross the bridge, and take an immediate right onto Mull Ave. and proceed .9 mile to traffic circle. Church is at SE corner of intersection. Park in brick lot (P2 on map). From the South and East: Take I-77 to Exit 132 (White Pond Ave.). Veer right on ramp. At stop sign, take a right onto Mull Ave. and proceed .9 mile to traffic circle. Church is at SE corner of intersection. Park in brick lot (P2 on map).  Sponsored by St. Sebastian Parish and Knights of Columbus Council 14255, Akron, OH 44320 | Who Is a Deacon? The word deacon comes from the Greek word diakonos, which means “servant” or “helper.” A deacon is an ordained minister of the church through the conferring of the sacrament of Holy Orders by the bishop. A deacon is called by God to serve the Church and all people. By his ordination, a deacon shares in the ministry of Jesus Christ as a helper to the bishop and the priests. “Those who are constituted in the order of the episcopate or the presbyterate receive the mission and capacity to act in the person of Christ the Head, whereas deacons are empowered to serve the People of God in the ministries of the Word, the ministry of the Gospel, and the ministry of charity.” (Cannon 1009) In his service to the Word, a deacon proclaims the Gospel and preaches the Gospel Message. In his service of Liturgy, a deacon assists at the Eucharistic celebration and distributes Holy Eucharist, including Viaticum to the dying. A deacon celebrates the sacrament of Baptism, witnesses and blesses marriages, and officiates at the Rites of Christian burial. A deacon presides at the Liturgy of the Hours and Eucharistic devotions, concluding with Benediction. In addition, the deacon leads prayer services and prepares the faithful to receive and celebrate the Sacraments. In his service of Charity, a deacon ministers to God’s people in countless ways of care and assistance. He is sensitive to the needs of all and ready to give generously of himself in responding to the suffering, the poor, and to those with special needs. A deacon serves the home bound the handicapped, and the alienated. As a caring person himself, a deacon brings pastoral care from the heart of the Church to those in need. Jesus doing the will of the Father has given us an example of service. Now, the Church carries on the service of Jesus. As a man of strong faith, a deacon is called by the Church to bear witness to our Lord Jesus Christ by a life of service. As a minister of the Church, this life of service is lived in the world of his family, his neighborhood, his community, and his workplace. |