August, 2002 In This Issue: On Clergy Gratuities (aka "Stole Fees") The Dark Side of Santa Monica Holy Spirit Enlighten Me More About A Diaconate Come and Celebrate the Ordination of Patricia Hendrickson

by Patricia Hendrickson

In a continuing effort to eliminate some of the lingering confusion over the diaconate, let me offer you one more short article beginning with:

The modern history of the diaconate during the second half of the 20th century is confusing! The ministries and liturgical roles of deacons have varied considerably from time to time and from place to place.

In 1970, a single, non-transitional, diaconate for both men and women was proposed on a trial basis, and was later formally adopted and incorporated into the 1979 Book of Common Prayer. During the 1970's and early 1980's, the focus of the non-transitional diaconate was on direct service; deacons spent most of their time and effort on ministry to the world. Consequently, they often had limited contact with parishioners except for a few hours on Sunday. Many served as chaplains in hospitals or prisons.

Deacons today are beginning to see their role less as that of providing direct service to the world, but more as agents of change and facilitators of the baptismal ministries of others. This new sense of mission evolves from a greater attention being placed on the fact that deacons are ordained to serve directly under their bishops. Even though a deacon is assigned to a parish and serves liturgically at worship, the deacon's ministry is an extension of the bishop's, not as an assistant to the rector. In consultation with his or her bishop, a deacon focuses her or his work on a particular area of ministry. In my case it will be in the area of ministry to people with disabilities. What this means is that I won't be doing all the serving! I will be helping others to discern and use their gifts in ministry. I will be advocating with private and public institutions. I will be teaching and preaching. I will be bringing the concerns of the world to the church and bringing the church out into the world.

It is this focus on agency in the world that is brought to bear in the deacon's role in the parish's Sunday liturgy. Mainly, the deacon is the principle helper. As defined by Ormande Plater in Deacons in the Liturgy, "They are heralds of the word, servants of the church, and agents of the bishop."

• As "herald of the word," it is the deacon's responsibility to proclaim the gospel and to preach.

• As "servant of the church," it is the deacon's responsibility to bid the prayers of the people, to receive the alms, to prepare the table for Eucharist, and to assist in the offering of the sacrament to the people.

• As "agent of the bishop," it is the deacon's responsibility to dismiss the people, that is, to send them out into the world to love and serve the Lord.

Copyright © 2002 St. Augustine by-the-Sea