Expert: Tom Schott - 4/16/2004

Question
Sorry, I hope you won't mind a quick follow-up.  You said deacons aren't paid -- how do they live then?  Do they have other jobs outside of being deacons?

Thanks again for your very helpful answer!


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Followup To
Question -
Hi:

I thought you'd be the best person to ask for obvious reasons.  What all can a permanent deacon do?  Our parish is getting our first permanent deacon, 68 years old with 3 kids and 2 grandkids.  I've never come across this before and wondered where he might help out and how!

Thanks!
Answer -
Lindsay,

 Good for you and your parish. I hope you will come to love your deacon. Please do not confuse him with a priest. He is not a mini-priest, but a member of a whole separate order. Deacons perform a ministry of service. We are involved in all kinds of hands-on works of charity and care: prison ministry, hospitals, hospice work, old age facilities, visiting the sick, various services to the needy. Liturgically deacons preach, teach, baptize, witness weddings, conduct funerals and wake services. Deacons also can function in any number of parish administrative functions. Normally, we are not paid. Permanent deacons are allowed to marry once, but we promise not to remarry upon the death of our spouse.

Hope this helps.

Deacon Tom  

Answer
Lindsay--

 The vast, vast majority of us have regular jobs; that is correct.  We give the Church about 10 hours a week, at least that's what it's been in the two dioceses I've been in. Your incoming deacon may be retired. Quite a number of older guys are.

Deacon Tom