National Directory

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DOCTRINAL UNDERSTANDING OF THE DIACONATE

A deacon may also have greater abilities in one aspect of ministry; and, therefore, his service may be marked by one of them more than by the others. Fundamentally, however, there is an intrinsic unity in a dea con’s ministry. In preaching the Word, he is involved in every kind of missionary outreach. In sanctifying God’s People through the Liturgy, he infuses and elevates people with new meaning and with a Christian worldview. In bringing Christ’s Reign into every stratum of society, the deacon develops a Christian conscience among all people of good will, motivating their service and commitment to the sanctity of human life. IX. Concluding Reflection 42. When one reflects upon the Order of Deacons, it is worthwhile to recall the words from the Rite of Ordination of Deacons: Like those once chosen by the Apostles for the ministry of char ity, you should be men of good reputation, filled with wisdom and the Holy Spirit. Firmly rooted and grounded in faith, you are to show yourselves chaste and beyond reproach before God and man, as is proper for the ministers of Christ and the stew ards of God’s mysteries. Never allow yourselves to be turned away from the hope offered by the Gospel. Now you are not only hearers of this Gospel but also its ministers. Hold the mystery of faith with a clear conscience. Express by your actions the Word of God which your lips proclaim, so that the Christian people, brought to life by the Spirit, may be a pure offering accepted by God. Then on the last day, when you go out to meet the Lord you will be able to hear him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord.” 48

1 BNFPD, no. 3. 2 LG, no. 1. 3 LG, no. 17.

4 LG, no. 8. 5 LG, no. 8.