The Deacon Reader

Book Overview

The first-ever systematic academic text for the first years of formation of deacons. This collection of essays on history, pastoral theology, and sociology covers the entire scope of diaconal life. +

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0809143895
• ISBN13: 9780809143894
• Release Date: May 2006
• Publisher: Paulist Press
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 1.16 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.1" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Great book for understanding the permanent diaconate

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.

Great book for anyone, not just potential deacons.

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.

Invaluable for Deacons and those interested in the Diaconate

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.

Great reading for those interested in the diaconate

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"!