Homilies and Addresses 2007
Statement concerning the Permanent Diaconate

Sunday, 15th April, 2007

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I am happy to announce today that in line with the discipline of the Universal Church the Ministry of the Permanent Diaconate will be introduced into the Archdiocese of Melbourne.

We are all aware of the first Deacons as the seven men chosen by the Apostles to assist them in proclaiming the Good News in the rapidly expanding Church of Jerusalem.

Men like Saint Stephen, Saint Lawrence and Saint Francis of Assisi are sought to undertake this unique ministry, whether in parish, church agency or in social service.

The Deacon is ordained by the Archbishop after a period of four years part-time formation and it is the Archbishop who selects the situation in which the Deacon will work.

Prior to 1972 the Deacon was a step on the way to the priesthood.  It still is.  But the Diaconate as a role has been restored as another ministry from apostolic times linked with that of Bishop and Priest to bring God’s word to believer and unbeliever alike.  Deacons preside over public prayer, baptise and assist at marriages and funerals.  They minister in schools, the military, prisons, ports, hospitals and diocesan agencies.  There are currently just less than one hundred Permanent Deacons in Australia. 

A brochure advising the Order is available at the back of the Cathedral and indications of interest can be made to the parish priest of your parish or to the office of the Vicar General.  This would then be followed by a time of assessment and discernment before formal studies are commenced. 

I believe that the Diaconate is part of the three ministries of Deacon, Priest and Bishop coming from apostolic times and is a great enrichment to the Church and to its people.

+ Denis J. Hart,
Archbishop of Melbourne.