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The Solemnity of All Saints The Permanent Diaconate

‘All Saints’ presents the ‘universal call to holiness’ as our shared vocation. The Saints lived as priests, bishops or deacons, as religious, married persons or as single persons, with the goal of serving God and His Church.

This Sunday (at 9.15am, 11.15am & 5pm), we welcome Deacon Simon Tierney from Camberley & Bagshot Parish who shares his vocational journey, highlighting who and what the Deacon is called to be. From the Church’s beginning, men have been ordained as Deacons to serve in a threefold ministry of Charity, Word and Altar. Ordained by the Apostle (bishop), by the ‘laying on of hands’, they are an integral part of the Sacrament of Holy Orders, and their appointment provides them with Canonical Authority to act on the Church’s behalf.

Above all, they are an icon of Christ the Servant in a way distinct from Priests. As the Church grew and a bishop’s territory expanded, priests were left in communities to confect the Eucharist. In time, the diaconal role was somewhat assumed by the priestly ministry, and although deacons were present, the role was often seen as ‘transitional’, a step to priesthood. In fact, as there is no division in Christ’s priesthood, the man retains his diaconal ministry as he is ordained as a priest or bishop. Indeed, the bishop as the fulness of Christ’s priesthood continues to wear the ‘dalmatic’ under his chasuble at pontifical Masses.

In 1967, Pope Paul VI restored this icon of diaconal service, reiterating the distinctive character of servant in the 3rd decree of Holy Orders. As ministers of charity, deacons bring the priesthood of Christ outside of the sanctuary to those in need (c.f. St Lawrence of Rome) and inspire and coordinate the lay apostolates’ mission. As ministers of the altar, they continue to assist the apostles (bishops and priests) at the Lord’s Table (c.f. Acts 6); and as ministers of the Word, they are ‘heralds of the gospel’ (c.f. St Stephen), preparing people for their reception of sacramental grace (c.f. St Philip) and as appropriate, act for the Church in its administration.

With my prayers and best wishes, Fr. Simon.