Introduction
1. What is the Purpose of the Diaconate?: A Normative Description
of the Diaconate
Michal J. Kramarek
2. How is the Diaconate Changing?: Trends in the Presence and
Ministry of Deacons
Mary L. Gautier
3. Who are the Deacons?: Demographic Characteristics of Deacons
Mary L. Gautier
4. What Does It Take to Become a Deacon?: Deacons’ Vocation and
Formation
Michal J. Kramarek
5. What Do the Deacons Do?: The Ministries of Deacons
Thu T. Do, L.H.C. and Michal J. Kramarek
6. Is It Satisfying to Be a Deacon?: Measuring Satisfaction among
Deacons
Jonathon L. Wiggins
7. What Does It Mean to Be a Deacon’s Wife?
Mark M. Gray
8. Where Do Deacons Fit within the Diocese?
Thomas P. Gaunt, S.J.
The Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) is a national, nonprofit, Georgetown University affiliated Catholic research center that conducts social scientific studies about the Catholic Church.
CARA’s new study of the permanent diaconate comprehensively looks
back on the fifty years since the Vatican II restoration of this
order, highlighting the deacons’ significant contribution to
ministry. The first to the fifth centuries have been referred to as
the Golden Age of the diaconate but this study confirms the amazing
growth, striking witness, and remarkable achievement of the
diaconate since its restoration, indeed a wonderful account of
service well rendered. It is a must read for anyone involved with
the initial or ongoing formation of deacons as well as bishops,
pastors, and ecclesial ministers seeking to better understand this
restored order.
*Gerald F. Kicanas, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Tucson*
This new book from CARA, drawing upon a wealth of information from
decades of research, provides an excellent analysis of the data
needed to construct pastorally effective models of the diaconate
for the Church in the United States today.
*W. Shawn McKnight, Bishop of Jefferson City*
Word, Liturgy, Charity is not only informational, but
edifying. It drew me into the history, purpose, and meaning
of the diaconate, while deepening my appreciation of diaconal
ministry today. More than recommend it, I would list it among the
required readings of those who are discerning the call to the
diaconate. The entire book, especially the chapter, ‘What
Does it Mean to Be a Deacon's Wife,’ will be helpful for women who
are accompanying their husbands on their diaconal journeys; indeed,
it could launch fruitful conversations about the likely impact of
the diaconate on the couple's relationship with one another,
their families, and their parishes.
*Dianne Traflet, Seton Hall University*
CARA has once again produced an exceptional resource for
understanding better the renewed ministry of deacons in the
Catholic Church. This volume, which offers significant new research
and analysis built on the foundation of CARA’s multi-year studies
of the diaconate, is invaluable in providing actual data mapping
the reality of the diaconate in the United States. The positive
impact of this new work will be felt for years to come and we are
all indebted to the authors and to CARA for their continuing
diligence, care, precision, and dedication.
*William T. Ditewig, former USCCB Executive Director of the
Secretariat for the Diaconate*
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