Understanding The Diaconate

What is a deacon? More than fiftyyears since the restoration of the permanent diaconate by the Second VaticanCouncil, the office of deacon is still in need of greater specificity about itspurpose and place within the mission and organizational structure of theChurch.

While the Church is more than asocial reality, the Church nonetheless has a social reality. Our understandingof the diaconate therefore benefits from a theological discussion of the divineelement of the Church and a sociological examination of the humanelement. Understanding the Diaconate adds the resources ofsociology and anthropology to the theological sources of scripture, liturgy,patristic era texts, theologians, and magisterial teachings to conclude thatthe deacon can be understood as “social intermediary and symbol of communities”who serves the participation of the laity in the life and mission of theChurch. This research proposes the deacon as a servant of the bond of communion within the Church (facilitating the relationship between the bishop/priest andhis people), and between the People of God and the individual in need. Thusauthentic diaconal ministry includes a vast array of many concrete contexts ofpastoral importance where one does more than simply serve at Mass.

Understanding the Diaconatewill undoubtedly be useful in the formation of permanent deacon candidates. Butby shedding light on the unique ministry of deacons, the book also reveals howevery member of the Church can be better supported and understood. Transitionaldeacons will come to understand the service-identity that lays the foundationfor their future presbyteral character; the laity will appreciate their ownvocational call in the world when they find a cleric accompanying them into thetemporal sphere; the bishop will have the means to extend and enhance his carefor his flock; and a world that is sick unto death will find the Church’shealing arm reaching out to it in word, liturgy, and charity. In these ways, W.Shawn McKnight makes clear the uniqueness of the deacon.