The Ministry Responsibility Form is intended to facilitate dialogue regarding the assigned deacon’s ministerial service. It will assist the pastor and the deacon in reaching a broad understanding regarding that service.
The needs of the community must be assessed with an understanding of the gifts which the deacon brings to the community. When arriving at deacon responsibilities the pastor must take into account the priorities of job, spiritual growth, and personal well being of the deacon and his family.
The Ministry Agreement should reflect a full understanding of the role of diaconal ministry being complementary to that of priest, yet distinct from the priest’s role as leader and presider of the parish community. The ministry of a deacon must always include the 3 specific areas of diaconal service: Justice/Charity, Sacrament and Word.
It is to be understood that the deacon is a man with secular employment and must place priority upon his family, his employment and his ministry. Recognizing especially the priority of his family, the deacon’s wife, if he is married is recognized as an integral part of his service to the community. It is with her support that his ministry is possible.
It is with these above priories in mind, together with the necessity to clearly understand the nature and purpose of the deacon’s role in the parish community that this Ministry Agreement is formulated.