"Deacons must be dignified, not deceitful, not addicted to drink, not greedy for sordid gain, holding fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.  Moreover, they should be tested first; then, if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.  Women, similarly, should be dignified, not slanderers, but temperate and faithful in everything.  Deacons may be married only once and must manage their children and their households well.  Thus those who serve well as deacons gain good standing and much confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 3:8-13).

Information Nights for those Considering Diaconate Formation

The Permanent Diaconate office of the Diocese of Orlando is sponsoring an information session to help men discover the discernment and formation process leading to ordination as a Permanent Deacon.  Men and their spouses who are interested in learning more about this important role within the Church are invited to attend one of the following information meetings:

January 30,^, 2012 at 7:00PM at Holy Name of Jesus Parish 3050 North Highway A1A Indialantic, FL 32903
January 31, 2012 at 7:00PM at The Church of the Resurrection 3855 S. Florida Ave. Lakeland, FL 33813
February 1, 2012 at 7:00PM at St. Mary Magdalen 861 Maitland Ave. Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
February 7, 2012 at 3:00PM at the Chancery Office 50- East Robinson Orlando, FL 32801

Those of you who feel that God is calling you to the Diaconate should already be active in ministry within your parish and have discussed this calling with your family and pastor (you must have the support and blessing of your pastor).  An overview of the discernment/formation process including the general requirements/prerequisites for diaconate consideration can be found at the following web site: http://www.orlandodiocese.org/en/deacons-formation/deacons-discernment-application

To reserve a spot at one of the information sessions or for more information, email Deacon Dave Gray at Esta dirección electrónica esta protegida contra spambots. Es necesario activar Javascript para visualizarla or call (407) 246-4878.

Contacts:

Deacon David L. Gray
Director, Permanent Diaconate
(407) 246-4878
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Deacon John Rumplash
Assistant Director of Formation

Deacon Jim Multeri
President, Deacon Council

Ms. Juanita Lacy
Permanent Diaconate Assistant
(407) 246-4875
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Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Mailing Address:
Diocese of Orlando
Office of the Permanent Diaconate
P.O. Box 1800
Orlando, FL. 32802-1800

Street Address:
Diocese of Orlando
Office of the Permanent Diaconate
50 East Robinson Street

Prayer for Deacons

Sts. Stephen, Lawrence and Francis of Assisi are patron saints of the diaconate community. St. Stephen, the protomartyr, was among the first deacons of the Church, martyred for his bold proclamation of the truth of Jesus Christ. St. Lawrence, who was martyred in the 3rd century, was a deacon in Rome known for his care and concern for the poor. St. Francis of Assisi, founder of all Franciscan orders, was an ordained deacon. His prayer is a central part of diaconal charism.

Prayer of Saint Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
Amen.