The deacon is a man who is called to a ministry of service--a servant leader who animates others to live out a life of service. With priests and bishops, he receives the Sacrament of Holy Orders. He is an ordained clergyman living in the lifestyle of the laity. Pope John Paul II said that, "The deacon is the Church's service sacramentalized. He is the visible sign of service to which all the baptized are called."

The order of deacon can be traced back to the early Church. Traditional scholarship notes that deacons are first mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles. As the centuries passed, the role of deacon became less prominent and by the end of the first millennium became primarily only a step to priesthood in the Latin Rite Church.

The Fathers of the Second Vatican Council restored the diaconate as a permanent element in the hierarchy of the Church. In the documents of the Council it is written that, "The Deacon stands in the midst of the Church as Christ, the servant of all. By this unique expression of holy orders, Christ calls some men, and the Church ordains deacons to be consecrated expressions of service and, in a particular way, to assist bishops and priests to carry out their own unique ministerial priesthood. While deacons are not called to priesthood, they are ordained to a ministry of service that enriches the Church and enhances the ministry in service of God's people."

His service to the people of God has three aspects of participation. In liturgical ministry he assists the bishop and priests in the Eucharistic Rite. He is significantly assigned to proclaim the Gospel and to preach on occasion. He imparts the solemn blessing with the Blessed Sacrament at Benediction. He may baptize, witness and bless marriages, preside at the Liturgy of the Hours and at wakes and gravesite services.

Each deacon is commissioned by the bishop at ordination to "Receive the Gospel of Christ, whose herald you are. Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach." Thus evangelization and catechesis are an essential part of the deacon's ministry of the Word, the heartbeat of all that he is called to be and do.

In his ministry of charity the deacon is able to bring a unique sensitivity in ministering to the needs of families, single parents, students, the aged, the infirmed, the imprisoned, those who suffer from poverty or addictions and many other important services already existing or yet to be discovered.

The restoration of the permanent diaconate was authorized in the United States in 1968. The aims of the diaconate are to enrich and strengthen the works of service being performed by the Church, to enlist a new group of devout and competent married and single men in the active ministry of the Church, and to aid in extending needed charitable and liturgical service to the faithful. Wives of deacons assist in many of these areas. The number of deacons in the United States has continued to grow steadily. There are more than 10,000 permanent deacons ministering in more than 140 (arch)dioceses in the United States. 

We welcome in our midst Deacon Tim Sullivan. Deacon Tim joins our parish staff this July with the desire to exercise his ministry as a permanent deacon in our community with a special emphasis in service of the poor. Please welcome him.

As part of our ongoing engagement process, we have come to realize the importance of parishioners sharing their personal stories of how they have connected with Saint Clement as an important factor in their lives. As a feature twice a month, we share the stories and reflections of our engaged parishioners who are living a stewardship life of prayer, service, and giving. This week we hear from Kelsey Davis.

"When I moved to Chicago two years ago, I was prepared to do a lot of 'church hopping' until I found one that felt like home. Due to its proximity to my apartment, Saint Clement was first on my list. Once I experienced the welcoming community, the music and the beautiful sanctuary, I was hooked. Needless to say, I never felt the need to try out another church!

I started getting involved in various ways soon after I became a parishioner. I've been a catechist in the religious education program and served as a lector for the past two years. I've also been involved in the Young Adult Community and meet regularly with a group of young adult women to pray, chat and support one another. Most recently, I've helped to coordinate the Theology on Tap summer speaker series. Getting involved has given me a fabulous group of friends and made me feel like I am truly part of the Saint Clement family.

Saint Clement offers so many ways to become a steward and to give your time and resources to our parish, our city, and our world. Becoming more involved spiritually, socially, and financially really changed my concept of 'church.' It's now much more than just the place I attend Mass. It is where I go to 'recharge my batteries,' see my closest friends, and feel connected to something bigger than myself. I am grateful to have found Saint Clement and I encourage you to get more involved in the parish!" 

For more information on upcoming events, including our regular, weekly opportunities, please view the parish's master calendar.