Expert: Tom Schott - 5/1/2004

Question
http://experts.about.com/q/955/3311192.htm

Hi, Deacon Tom, I have a response to this response of yours.

The Catholic Church is not the only Christian denomination that believes the Eucharist is the Body and Blood of our Lord.  The Orthodox believe in this as well as we do, though we both have our own traditions regarding our Meal.  Orthodox Patriarchs have even celebrated Mass with the Pope (though they do not take part in the Consecration because we haven't established full Communion with them quite yet).  Once Full Commuion is returned with our Eastern brothers, we'll be consecrating side by side as it shuld have been -- Ut Unum Sint (That they may be one).

I do believe the Lutherans also believe it to be Christ.  I had a Lutheran Professor who said he believes the Eucharist to be so.  In addition, Luther believed in "Co-Subtantiation."  We of course believe in "Transubstantiation," where the bread and wine are totally changed.  The Lutherans believe only half of it has been changed to our Divine Master while the other half has not, and remains bread or wine.

I am not sure if the Episcopalians and the Anglicans believe in the same, but they probably do.  They're so much like us.  Too bad they don't just join Rome as they should.

But anyways, the Orthodox, Lutherans and probably the Episcopalians and Anglicans believe in the Eucharist being what we know it to believe -- the Body and Blood of our God.

Hey, may I ask about you becoming a married permanent deacon?  I am 19, I want to be a Deacon.  I spend much of my time today very much immersed in our Faith, learning about what interests me, particularly the Eastern Churches.  What else can I do to prepare?  I am even buying a Chalice and Book of the Gospels, plus a zucchetto, that I can keep as a reminder of what I want to be, so I can remember to work for that goal.  Of course I can't be ordained for another 16 years.  Got lots of time to prepare, but I guess early isn't early enough.  Got any suggestions for me?

Answer
I don't remember what answer of mine this is in response to, but you're correct. If you still want to be a deacon in 16 years, good for you. I would use that time to get out into the world and learn about it as well as your faith. Our service is in the world and for the people in the world. The last thing the diaconate needs are men who are pious but narrow.

Deacon Tom