Eleven years ago today, on the Feast of St. John, I was ordained a deacon in the Church. Six months later, I would be ordained a priest, but these vows are still dear and deeply meaningful to me, and I am grateful for the Churchs call that includes these elements of my ministry. I cannot fathom priestly ministry devoid of these vows. I am also very grateful for the ministries of vocational deacons who call me (and us all) into the work of diaconal ministry. Help me live into mine, as I bless you in yours and celebrate the ministry of deacons in our midst. Until our Church can figure out a better way, lets hold the space and honor these vows as valid and vital to our ministries. From the service of ordination of a deacon: The Bishop addresses the ordinand as follows My brother, every Christian is called to follow Jesus Christ, serving God the Father, through the power of the Holy Spirit. God now calls you to a special ministry of servanthood directly under your bishop. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are to serve all people, particularly the poor, the weak, the sick, and the lonely. As a deacon in the Church, you are to study the Holy Scriptures, to seek nourishment from them, and to model your life upon them. You are to make Christ and his redemptive love known, by your word and example, to those among whom you live, and work, and worship. You are to interpret to the Church the needs, concerns, and hopes of the world. You are to assist the bishop and priests in public worship and in the ministration of God’s Word and Sacraments, and you are to carry out other duties assigned to you from time to time. At all times, your life and teaching are to show Christ’s people that in serving the helpless they are serving Christ himself. My brother, do you believe that you are truly called by God and his Church to the life and work of a deacon? AnswerI believe I am so called.
Posted on: Sat, 27 Dec 2014 17:58:25 +0000
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