About the Book

Despite almost fifty years of diaconal ministry “on the ground” since Vatican II, and the impressive growth of the diaconate to over 46,000 serving worldwide today, we are still confused about who  Catholic deacons are and what the Church charges them to do: about their distinctive ministerial identity. Why ordain deacons at all, and what is their specific “job”?  Most bishops, priests,  theologians, parish and diocesan staffs, “lay ministers,” people in the pews, and even deacons themselves -not to mention those who rub shoulders with them at work or in families – would be hard-pressed to give a theologically grounded and practically useful response.

Christ the Servant

“I have given you an example…”

Minister of the Threshold

Jesus on the threshold: with the woman at the Samaritan gate.

This book develops two complementary images of the deacon’s ministerial identity: “icon of Christ the servant” and “minister of the threshold.” These models are rooted in Christian discipleship, in the specific character and tasks of diaconal ministry within the Church, and in the way this ministry is practiced in everyday contexts. The models provide a theological definition and rationale for deacons, along with practical guidelines for ministry.

For anyone curious about this rapidly growing ministry in the Church, the book provides an engaging, accessible overview of its history, theology, and practice.

More specifically, for deacons in ministry, for candidates and inquirers, and for all those who form, teach, or supervise them, the book offers a concrete, practical vision of the deacon’s ministry, with specific applications for vocations, formation, assignments, and ministry decisions.

And for theologians and scholars, the book grounds the deacon’s office in history, theology, and ecclesiology: in the New Testament and the early church; in the later developments of ordained ministry; in the twentieth century debates and pastoral challenges that suggested the diaconate’s “revival;” in the debates and texts of Vatican II (two full chapters); and in post-conciliar documents and scholarly treatments. A final chapter asks how this ministerial identity might be affected by future changes in the Church and society. Though written in an accessible, non-technical style, the argument is supported by 30 pages of endnotes that engage the pertinent primary sources and scholarship, as well as three appendices covering specific exegetical questions.

Look Inside