In this book, Deacon Eddie Ensley explores ways that permanent deacons can enrich their prayer and ministry through “lectio divina,” a renewed appreciation for the “Liturgy of the Hours,” and entering into a fuller sense of “diakonia.” The stories and insights in this book are truly tools for faith enrichment and “becoming one with God” in prayer and ministry.
Step-By-Step Spirituality for Deacons by Deacon Eddie Ensley, Ph.D. "While there are many fine readings available for deacons, with this publication, Deacon Eddie Ensley has written the textbook!" ¿Msgr. Christopher J. Schreck, Rector, Pontifical College Josephinum In this book, Deacon Eddie Ensley explores ways that permanent deacons can enrich their prayer and ministry through "lectio divina," a renewed appreciation for the "Liturgy of the Hours," and entering into a fuller sense of "diakonia." The stories and insights in this book are truly tools for faith enrichment and "becoming on with God" in prayer and ministry. Softcover; 60 pages; 4" x 6". ISBN 978-0-087029-562-1
A 75th anniversary e-book version of the most important and practical self-help book ever written, Alcoholics Anonymous. Here is a special deluxe edition of a book that has changed millions of lives and launched the modern recovery movement: Alcoholics Anonymous. This edition not only reproduces the original 1939 text of Alcoholics Anonymous, but as a special bonus features the complete 1941 Saturday Evening Post article “Alcoholics Anonymous” by journalist Jack Alexander, which, at the time, did as much as the book itself to introduce millions of seekers to AA’s program. Alcoholics Anonymous has touched and transformed myriad lives, and finally appears in a volume that honors its posterity and impact.
What is a deacon?" "What does a deacon do?" These are two questions pastors, parishioners, and even deacons themselves often ask. In A New Friendship Monsignor Edward Buelt answers these questions through an engaging conversation with the Scriptures, the eucharistic liturgy, and church teaching on the diaconate. Originally given as a retreat for deacon candidates, A New Friendship is now available to a larger audience of bishops, priests, deacons, deacons' wives, and candidates in formation. Buelt's treatment of all the major themes of the diaconate? Ministry of word, altar, and charity, as well as communion, sacrifice, service, and suffering? Is inspiring and enriching. He highlights the meaning of the diaconate through insightful and moving reflections on the Scriptures and proposes practical lessons for a deacon's ministry at Mass. Buelt offers sound counsel for the spiritual life of deacons in the voice of an attentive pastor of souls and as one who cares about the diaconate. A New Friendship is must reading for anyone interested in the diaconate and in diaconal ministry.
Receive the Gospel of Christ whose herald you have become. Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach. These are the words a newly ordained deacon hears from his bishop as the Book of the Gospels is placed in his hands. It is a solemn but joyous moment in which the deacon is called to a lifelong pursuit of bearing witness to Christ the Servant. The foundation of the deacon’s diaconate, the very foundation of his ministry, is intimate communion with Christ the Servant. This communion originates and deepens in the interior life, and it is here, through prayer and meditation, where he truly discovers God on a personal level and, at the same time, discovers himself in a more profound way. In Encountering Christ the Servant: A Spirituality of the Diaconate, Deacon Dominic Cerrato, PhD, offers deacons and deacon candidates an integrated approach to diaconal life and ministry, rooted in the cultivation of the interior life. In this study, Deacon Dominic outlines the primacy of the interior life, the necessity of abandonment, the sacrament of the present moment, and living the Servant Mysteries. Entering into a new and more intimate relationship with Christ the Servant will open deacons and deacon candidates to their true identity, and their mission, as heralds of the Gospel of Christ. "In this book, Deacon Dominic provides a fresh way of looking at the diaconate based on his personal experience, unique theological reflection, and a spirituality centered on Christ, the Servant. His insights are worthy of contemplation by the laity and priests." — Most Reverend Shawn McKnight, Bishop of Jefferson City, Missouri "A fascinating book that every deacon — and anyone curious about deacons — should add to their library. Deacon Cerrato has crafted a rich resource that serves as an excellent introduction to the spirituality of the diaconate, linking this vocation of service to the entire Body of Christ. Encountering Christ the Servant really means encountering him in one another — and this book helps open our eyes to the beautiful possibilities of a servant church." — Deacon Greg Kandra, author and blogger, The Deacon's Bench "Encountering Christ the Servant penetrates the heart of diaconal spirituality like no other work before it. Rooted in the ordained deacon's intimate participation in divine love and cultivated by a rich interior life that enlivens his ministry, Deacon Cerrato elevates and advances the understanding of deacons as a living icon of Christ the Servant. This book, which shines a bright light on the spiritual life of the deacon, is truly a gift to the entire Church!" — Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers, author of Father Augustus Tolton: The Slave Who Became the First African American Priest "Anytime there is a specialized work that focuses on the uniqueness of the deacon, it is a blessing. Anytime anyone attempts to plumb the depths of diaconate identity and spirituality the blessing is doubled! Readers who draw from this text will be consoled, challenged, and hopefully opened up to God's plan for their ongoing conversion. Thank you, Deacon Dominic, for providing one aspect of a broader and important movement seeking the renewal of the Diaconate." — Dcn. Stephen F, Miletic, Ph.D., Professor of Scripture, Interim Director at the Institute for Diaconate Renewal, Franciscan University of Steubenville ABOUT THE AUTHOR Deacon Dominic Cerrato, Ph.D., is Editor of OSV’s The Deacon magazine, Executive Director of Diaconal Ministries, and Director of Diaconal Formation for the Diocese of Joliet. Ordained 25 years, Deacon Dominic is an author, national speaker, and retreat master. In 2020, he was appointed by Pope Francis to the international papal commission on women and the diaconate. He and his wife, Judith, have been married for 38 years, and they have 10 children and many grandchildren.
In a breakthrough book first published in 1991, the authors address the dynamics in churches that can ensnare people in legalism, guilt, and begrudging service, keeping them from the grace and joy of God's kingdom.Written for both those who feel abused and those who may be causing it, The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse shows how people get hooked into abusive systems, the impact of controlling leadership on a congregation, and how the abused believer can find rest and recovery.
A synthesis of eight years of formal research projects based upon responses from deacons across the nation, this resource presents a "spirituality of sacramental service" based upon the configurative relationship with Christ-Servant, the commissioned relationship to build Church, and the hierarchical relationship with the Bishop.
Almost every church in America has selected and ordained Deacons for service to their congregations. Most of these Deacons have learned their duties by on-the-job experiences. However, many Deacons, even years after their ordination, still ask the question, What am I supposed to do? This book, Descriptive Duties of Deacons, answers that question in clearly definitive ways. You need not feel overwhelmed, unsuited for certain areas of service, or burdened by watching other Deacons in your church and thinking you have to do everything they do. This guidebook shows numerous options for ministry that can fit with your spiritual gifts, talents, training, and personality. These ministry options will help you find your niche in Gods work. God does not intend for you to do everything nor to do your duties by yourself. He has placed you in a local church where a Pastor, ministry staff, and numerous volunteers can serve with you. The various duties described here will help you to better understand what both you and your fellow Deacons need to be doing individually and together. Follow this guidebook, and you may never again ask the question, What am I supposed to do as a Deacon?
