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Question Title Posted By Question Date
Deacon on Parish Staff Deacon Larry Saturday, September 5, 2009

Question:

Is the Permanent Deacon, by right of his clerical office and assigned to a parish by his bishop, considered a member of that parish staff. Some pastors say "yes" and some say "no." Is there a Church document that stipulates the deacon as a member of the parish staff? The "Directory for Ministry and Life of Permanent Deacons" states the deacon is appointed for the pastoral care of the parish ... does this imply also a member of the staff (though unpaid)? Thank you.

Question Answered by Mr. Jacob Slavek

Dear Deacon Larry,

The decision of who does and who doesn't serve on a parish staff is the pastor's/administrator's, but keep in mind that he is still bound by his promise of obedience to his bishop.  I think it would make absolutely no sense to have an appointed deacon, part or full time, working in a parish without placing him on parish staff.

Mr. Slavek
Footer Notes: (a) A Eucharistic Minister is clergy (Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion). Laity are Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and should never be called Eucharistic Ministers.

(b) There is no such Mass called the Novus Ordo. The Current Mass is the Roman Missal of 2000, or the Oridinary Form of the Mass. The Tridentine Mass is the Roman Missal of 1962, or the Extraordinary Form of the Mass. Please refrain from using the term, Novus Ordo. Thanks.

(c) The titles of Acolyte and Lector belong exclusively to the Installed Offices of Acolyte and Lector, who are men (only) appointed by the Bishop. These roles performed by others are Altar Servers and Readers, respectively.