This historico-theologica research document traces the history of the diaconate from the time of Christ through the post-Vatican II period. It highlights seven major areas for consideration. Book jacket.
In recent and contemporary scholarship, the deacon as a leader in the Early Church is an often-neglected subject. This book focuses on the roles and functions of the deacon in Augustine’s literary output. The author’s approach is detailed and appropriately cautious and is always attentive to the text. He analyses Augustine’s way of commenting on deacons and how the bishop of Hippo wrote about them, as well as his manner of preaching on saints and martyrs who were deacons. The book thus provides a new perspective on the early deacons who were not social workers, but go-betweens or intermediaries between the bishop and his flock, between the Scriptures and daily life, and between Church and society. He emphasises in particular how deacons were epistle bearers responsible for the world wide web of Early Christianity.
This is one of a two-volume collection of texts and documents issued by the International Theological Commission (ITC), a body of theologians that advises the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. The texts and documents of the ITC address pressing theological issues, drawing upon theological experts from around the world who represent differing branches of theology yet who share a common commitment to authentically-Catholic theological reflection. Volume 2, 1986-2007, includes texts and documents exploring the following themes: faith and inculturation, the interpretation of dogma, eschatology, God the Redeemer, Christianity and world religions, the Church and the faults of the past, the diaconal ministry, human beings as the image of God, and the hope for the salvation of unbaptized infants. "The special contribution of the Commission is to gain a hearing for the common voice of theology amid all the diversities that exist. For notwithstanding the legitimate pluralism of theological cultures in the Church, the unity of theology must remain, and empower theologians to offer some common account of their subject. In these pages, therefore, one will not find the exciting theses of innovative individuals. If there is excitement here, it lies in the discovery that even in our contemporary situation it is possible to say something together despite all our differences and so to take part together in a further exploration of the one faith of the Church. All the texts which follow are the fruit of a long and often difficult dialogue. In that dialogue, not only have various disciplines, methods and ways of thought found a common path. Over and above that, the wider dialogue of theologians with the bishops, as well as between bishops and the Petrine office in the Church, has found a voice. It is precisely for this reason that the Theological Commission represents an authentic continuation of the great experience of the Council and a clarification of its true bearing." --Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger from the Preface to Volume One
In recent years there has been a growing theological-pastoral interest in ministerial service and ministries in the Church, with a particular emphasis on the diaconal ministry and role that deacons have in the Church. The Compendium on the Diaconate: A Resource for the Formation, Ministry, and Life of Permanent Deacons explores how bishops, along with their helpers, the priests and deacons, have taken up the service of community, exercising the divinely established ecclesiastical ministry on different levels. The Church is ministry, service, diaconia, and it is called to be of service to the many aspects and sectors of the Church.This volume is a collection of fundamental texts for understanding the roots of the diaconate, understanding its ministerial special city and its potential for development in today's world as well as the Church's pastoral care.
Jesus calls the church to be a sacrament to the world. Sadly, many women, LGBTQ persons, people of other faiths, and lay persons experience suffering due to certain words and actions of the Catholic Church. At times, the language and practices of the church leave some people feeling as if their voices have been silenced, their roles limited, and their vocations impeded. Some often feel underappreciated and disrespected. This work explores a vision for the future church which faces these challenges and illuminates possible solutions. Every person has gifts given by God for the building up of the church. Through a thorough exploration of biblical and church teachings, alternative views of these issues provide a path to inclusion for all. This book is intended to bring comfort, hope, and healing to those who have been marginalized. It also offers a map for the church as it journeys to be more of what Christ calls it to be. In a manner faithful to the gospel, reforms for the church are considered that open it to what the Spirit might be saying. When is the time for all persons to be valued, welcomed, empowered, and respected? Now.
In a world of uncertainty, this volume advocates for a humble confidence in the reconciling work of the Community-of-Love. Yet further, by bringing together perspectives and experiences of Christians from across the theological and cultural spectrum, it models the reconciling power of the whole gospel and invites readers to share the good news.
This is one of a two-volume collection of texts and documents issued by the International Theological Commission (ITC), a body of theologians that advises the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. The texts and documents of the ITC address pressing theological issues, drawing upon theological experts from around the world who represent differing branches of theology yet who share a common commitment to authentically-Catholic theological reflection. Volume 2, 1986-2007, includes texts and documents exploring the following themes: faith and inculturation, the interpretation of dogma, eschatology, God the Redeemer, Christianity and world religions, the Church and the faults of the past, the diaconal ministry, human beings as the image of God, and the hope for the salvation of unbaptized infants. "The special contribution of the Commission is to gain a hearing for the common voice of theology amid all the diversities that exist. For notwithstanding the legitimate pluralism of theological cultures in the Church, the unity of theology must remain, and empower theologians to offer some common account of their subject. In these pages, therefore, one will not find the exciting theses of innovative individuals. If there is excitement here, it lies in the discovery that even in our contemporary situation it is possible to say something together despite all our differences and so to take part together in a further exploration of the one faith of the Church. All the texts which follow are the fruit of a long and often difficult dialogue. In that dialogue, not only have various disciplines, methods and ways of thought found a common path. Over and above that, the wider dialogue of theologians with the bishops, as well as between bishops and the Petrine office in the Church, has found a voice. It is precisely for this reason that the Theological Commission represents an authentic continuation of the great experience of the Council and a clarification of its true bearing." Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger from the Preface to Volume One
This book is the third volume on diakonia published by Regnum Books. It follows Diakonia as Christian Social Practice: An Introduction and Diakonia in a Gender Perspective. For those who believe the church must be active in the world, seeking to heal and struggle for justice, this is the essential guidebook and toolbox for diaconal practice.
Winner of a 2022 Association of Catholic Publishers Excellence in Publishing Award: Resources for Ministry (Third Place). Whether you are seasoned from years of ministry or are just getting started living out the vows you made at ordination, this essential handbook will provide the spiritual and practical support you need as a Catholic deacon in the Church today. In Our Life of Service, international speaker and bestselling author Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers will inspire and uplift you as he and his brother deacons—including Greg Kandra, Larry Oney, Dominic Cerrato, and Thomas J. Fox—share their testimonies and insights about how to serve God with determination, faith, and vision. Burke-Sivers explains the gift of the diaconate as a living image of Christ the Servant in the world, a source of comfort and hope at a time when both are in short supply. Burke-Sivers explores the daily realities of life to answer important questions about the diaconate such as: What does the Church teach about the purpose of this ministry both within the parish and the world? How are the three key responsibilities of teaching, sanctifying, and leading entrusted to a deacon at ordination practiced in daily life? How does his commitment to his wife help a married deacon balance his duties to his family and ministry? What are practical strategies and solutions for the challenges deacons face, especially when conflicts arise within ministry? Burke-Sivers also calls for younger, more diverse groups of men who reflect on the face of the Church to become permanent deacons in order to bridge the gap between the Church and the world and to reach the unchurched. Each chapter contains questions for reflection, action steps, and prayers to help deacons strengthen their own commitment to their calling. Drawing from the writings of St. John Paul II and other ecclesial writings about the purpose and gift of the permanent diaconate, Burke-Sivers educates and inspires us to more fully appreciate this gift and enriches and encourages those who have themselves answered this call. Written for deacons in active ministry, Our Life of Service is also inspiring reading for Catholics in the pew who are considering a call or who simply want to understand the purpose and gift of the permanent diaconate.