Diaconate

Permanent Diaconate

Deacons are men, married in many cases, who are ordained to a life of pastoral service. Though many of us recognize the deacons as the "side kick" of the priests during Mass, offering occasional homilies, their real ministry is not liturgical. The deacon is connected to a life of service, especially to the poor. The first deacons in the book of Acts of the Apostles were formed to "serve at tables" for the widows and other poor, freeing the Apostles for the evangelical and liturgical life that was their call.
 

The First Martyr was a Deacon

The first martyr of the Church, executed by judgment of the Sanhedrin, with the encouragement of Saul of Tarsus, (who would later become St. Paul) was Saint Stephen, who was also the first deacon in the Church. This deacon-martyr's story is told in Acts 6-7 and is a powerful witness to the Cross and glory of the diaconate.
 

Our Patron Saint was a Deacon

Furthermore, and a particular blessing for us in this parish, is St. Lawrence, the Deacon-Martyr of Rome. Here is a long summary of why our patron saint, the deacon-martyr of Rome, was killed by the Emperor in 258 AD:

Lawrence distributed the funds of the local church among the crippled, blind, sick, and indigent of the city. When arrested by the Emperor, Lawrence was commanded to produce the goods. Lawrence produced what he called the "true treasure of the Church" -- you guessed it; the crippled, blind, sick, and indigent of the city.

The emperor was not amused.

Legend has it that Lawrence was martyred by being roasted on a gridiron. It is also said that, at one point, Lawrence told them when he was done on one side, and could be turned over. Modern scholars have suggested that the determination of this method of torture is probably a misreading of the original accounts.

Here's Pope Benedict XVI talking about the Deacon-Martyr of Rome.

Archdiocesen Director of the Permanent Diaconate
Deacon Phillip Jackson

713-654-5720
Email

Deacon George Silva
Director of Formation
[email protected]
713-654-5724

Deacon Fernando Garcia
Director of Admission and Scrutiny
713-654-5723
[email protected]

Office Location:
St. Mary Seminary
9845 Memorial Drive
Houston, TX 77024

The Office of the Permanent Diaconate is responsible for all aspects associated with the formation of deacon candidates and the ongoing formation and coordination of the Archdiocese's permanent diaconate community. The Director facilitates the processes involved in the recruitment and selection of candidates, their formation, evaluation, and initial assignment. Through the academic, spiritual and pastoral formation of these men, the Director helps in the holistic development of each candidate within his family and within his community. Additionally, the Director works with the ordained deacons in coordinating continuing education, retreats, assignments, exchange of information, meetings, support and other activities. The Directors work closely with the Diaconate Commission.

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