Praying for and Celebrating our Permanent Deacons

Pope Francis Asks for Prayers for Deacons

We join with Pope Francis in praying for permanent deacons, who live their vocation in and with their family, especially Deacon Bart Merella, Deacon Juan Cayrampoma, and Deacon Bob Vince, who serve at St. Matthew's. Read Pope Francis' message accompanying his May 2020 prayer intention, that "deacons, faithful in their service to the Word and the poor, may be an invigorating symbol for the entire Church." 

The Office of Deacon in Today's Church

by Deacon Bartholomew J. Merella, M.T.S. 
May 2020

Historically, the office of deacon in the life of the church began in the earliest years of the Christian community, beginning with Stephen and Lawrence. Over the centuries, the deacon’s role expanded or diminished as the church changed to meet new and different conditions. The most recent change occurred as a result of the Second Vatican Council, when the Council bishops called for expanding the office to reinstate married men to this historic ministry that has existed since the earliest days of the Church.  

Consequently, we have diaconal categories: 1) deacons to be ordained as priests are known as “transitional deacons;” 2) those being ordained to remain only deacons and are usually identified as “permanent deacons.” While permanent deacons exist in many countries, the largest number are in the United States, over 18,000 according to data compiled by the US Bishops’ Conference.  This number of permanent deacons compares to the 27,000 diocesan priests serving in US dioceses. The US deacons are about 40% of the total number of permanent deacons worldwide.    

Of the 178 US arch/dioceses, at least 133 reported having permanent deacons  Chicago has the largest number (700+) followed by Galveston/Houston, Los Angeles and Philadelphia, each having more than 300. Washington was one of the first US dioceses to establish a diaconate program.  Of the US total, 25% are age 50-59; 42% are age 60-69; 25% are 70 or more. 2000 or so deacons are officially retired according to church policy, although many continue in active ministry.

Although not generally required, at least 60% of the permanent deacons have a college degree and 25% have a graduate degree: of those with graduate degrees, 20% majored in theology, religious education or canon law.  

In most cases, deacons minister voluntarily, that is unpaid. But, some 15% are paid for the parish or diocesan position they hold, such as parish DREs, diocesan office heads, and hospital or prison ministers. In some cases, deacons are assigned as parish administrators (substitute pastors as it were) in some 3500+ US parishes because of the lack of priests to fulfill that role.

Like those studying and formed for the priesthood, deacons also are required to complete a four/five year education and formation program, according to Vatican guidelines. In the Washington archdiocese, the diaconate program is five (5) years long, leading to ordination and then a parish and ministerial assignment. Currently, our archdiocese has 200+ deacons of whom over 150 are active. The rest are retired according to archdiocesan policy after reaching age 75. But some retired deacons continue to minister voluntarily.     

Our cathedral parish is currently served by 3 permanent deacons: Deacons Robert Vince; Deacon Juan Cayrampoma who serves our Hispanic parishioners); and Deacon Bartholomew Merella who officially retired in 2010, but remains active in cathedral ministry.