Books
‘The Imitation of Christ’ by Thomas à Kempis
Deacon Anthony J. Clishem Comments Off on ‘The Imitation of Christ’ by Thomas à Kempis
By the time “The Imitation of Christ” (Noll Library, OSV, $29.95) appeared bearing the name of its author, Thomas à Kempis (one estimate places it between 1418-27), the diaconate had all but disappeared as a permanent order in the Catholic Church. Written primarily for contemplative men and women, it would have also served as a Read More
‘Story of a Soul’
Deacon Anthony J. Clishem Comments Off on ‘Story of a Soul’
Between the calling of the First Vatican Council (1869) and Second Vatican Council (1962), two apparently unrelated movements of the Holy Spirit resonated simultaneously within the Church: the first, the call to restore the ancient order of permanent deacons; the second, the growing popular devotion to an obscure French nun, Thérèse of Lisieux. The roots Read More
‘The Spirit of the Liturgy’
Father Gregory Rothfuchs Comments Off on ‘The Spirit of the Liturgy’
As the Church in the United States progresses more deeply into the National Eucharistic Revival with its four invitations posed by the U.S. bishops, the quest to “reinvigorate worship” and engage in “robust faith formation” invites deacons in a particular way, as servants of the Sacred Mysteries, to understand the nature of the liturgy more Read More
‘Configured to Christ’ Digs Deeply into Human Nature
Deacon David A. Lopez Comments Off on ‘Configured to Christ’ Digs Deeply into Human Nature
“Believe what you read; teach what you believe; practice what you teach.” This exhortation to newly ordained deacons (and permanently relevant, therefore, to all three ranks of the clergy) points to the unchanging Gospel of our Lord, Jesus Christ. The sacramental grace of holy orders, building on that of baptism and confirmation, allows us not Read More
Sharing Diaconal Spirituality with the Laity
Deacon Dominic Cerrato Comments Off on Sharing Diaconal Spirituality with the Laity
While writing my previous book, “Encountering Christ the Servant” (OSV, $18.95), I gave some of the early drafts to a few of my lay friends to proofread. I wanted to ensure that the final manuscript sent to the publisher would be well-polished and free of errors typically associated with initial submission. To my surprise and Read More
A Look at ‘Our Life of Service’
Leon Suprenant Comments Off on A Look at ‘Our Life of Service’
Since his ordination to the diaconate 20 years ago, Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers has been a leading light in the diaconate community, in large part because of his dynamic presentations on a wide range of topics, from apologetics and men’s ministry to sacraments and racism, as well much, much more. What a treat for all of Read More
A Beauty that Wounds
Deacon Dominic Cerrato Comments Off on A Beauty that Wounds
The following is an excerpt from “Encountering Christ the Servant: A Spirituality of the Diaconate” (OSV, $18.95) by Deacon Dominic Cerrato. In his excellent book “The Heart of the Diaconate,” Deacon James Keating speaks of ordination as a kind of deep wounding. In this wounding, the deacon’s heart is lacerated by Christ’s own beauty and Read More