Deacons

The diaconate is the Church’s pre-eminent sign of the basic mission of all believers to serve others. Deacons give sacramental witness to what makes us fundamentally human; an other-centered responsibility for those in need. Deacons in their active involvement in community, in their outreach to the poor and the marginalized, and in their fostering of the Eucharistic communion of the Church, sacramentalize the Church’s service. The sign of the diaconate celebrates, manifests and makes effective the service of all good people everywhere. Deacons show what service is when it is done in the self-giving love of Christ.

The Diocese of Youngstown supports this crucial ministry in the life of the Church through:

• Initial discernment and formation of candidates
• Ongoing formation and retreats for permanent deacons
• Administration related to permanent deacons