Permanent Diaconate

[JP2Iloveyou]

Most priests I have spoken with have advised a man against discerning a call to the Permanent Diaconate. They told me that in many cases when a man approaches them about the Permanant Diaconate it is to run from a call to the priesthood, to have the "best of both worlds" so to speak. I for one do not think that is wise. I think that certainly, after a man is married for many years, God may call him to be a deacon, but if you are single and are thinking about the diaconate, think long and hard about the priesthood.

The permanent diaconate can be very taxing on a family and it was never intended to replace the priesthood. Despite all he can do, a deacon can never hear a confession or offer Mass.

Please don't misunderstand, I know personally many men who are pursuing a true calling to the permanent diaconate, however, I think if you are single or even recently married (within 10 years even) you should not be thinking about the permanent diaconate.