Learning to be Quick to Listen

In the vibrant, nascent days of the Church, as the Apostles diligently spread the Good News, a beautiful and essential need arose. The community of believers was growing rapidly, and with it, the demands of daily life and ministry. It was in this context, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, that the Holy Spirit inspired a pivotal development in the structure and service of the Church: the appointment of the first deacons . The apostles, recognizing that they could not dedicate themselves fully to both prayer and the ministry of the word while also attending to the material needs of the community, wisely sought a solution. Acts 6:1-6 recounts this moment: "Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint by the Hellenists against the Hebrews, because their widows were 1 neglected in the daily distribution. Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, 'It is not desirable that we should leave the 2 word o...

One of the most moving moments during the ordination Mass of a deacon is the moment he kneels before the bishop. The bishop, in a powerful gesture, places the Book of the Gospels in his hands, saying: “Receive the Gospel of Christ whose herald you have become. Believe what you read, teach what you believe and practice what you teach.” This simple act encapsulates the profound responsibility entrusted to the deacon: to be a messenger, a herald, of Christ himself. Deacons serve the Church through a threefold ministry : word, liturgy, and charity, always working in close communion with their bishop. While many are familiar with their liturgical roles and their dedication to charitable works, the ministry of the word, the deacon as "herald," deserves deeper reflection. How do deacons fulfill this vital role? Mass Is Only The Beginning While proclaiming the Gospel and, in some cases, preaching the homily at Mass is a significant part of a deacon's ministry of the word, ...

The role of deacons in the Catholic Church is ancient, integral, and rooted deeply in service. As the Second Vatican Council reaffirms in Lumen Gentium (29), deacons occupy a unique position within the Church's hierarchy. They receive "the imposition of hands 'not unto the priesthood, but unto the ministry,'" underscoring their distinct calling to serve the People of God rather than fulfill priestly duties. Although this concept of service originated in the early Church—Hippolytus, for instance, described it as "service to the Bishop"—the Council broadened it to encompass the entire community. St. Ignatius of Antioch also reflected on this foundational aspect, referring to deacons as "ministers of God’s Church" who should be beloved by all. Deacons are vital in three areas: the liturgy, the Gospel, and charity. Working closely with the bishop and priests, they support the liturgical life of the Church, proclaim the Gospel, and lead charitabl...