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.

Recognizing that the deacon’s service is of a part-time nature with no compensation expected or to be accepted, together with the norms established and recommended by the diocese of Springfield in Illinois, the following will be provided for the deacon’s ministry by the parish:

• A professional allowance in the amount of $1200.00 to the degree that it is used.  This is used to help defray the cost of continuing education, workshops, retreats, and other programs or materials related to the deacon’s growth as a minister.
   
• Purchase of vestments required for the carrying out of the liturgical role of the Deacon.  Deacons are required to wear a dalmatic when assisting the priest at the Eucharistic liturgy.
   
• A designated area in which the work of instructions, counseling, study and preparation can be performed by the Deacon
  Provision for release from his normal responsibilities to participate in recommended spiritual exercises and community activities for the Diaconate of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
   
• Provision for participation in diocesan, liturgical celebrations in recognition of his diaconal role of service to the Bishop of the diocese.

The deacon will at all times conduct himself with good taste and proper conduct so as not to bring disrespect upon the parish community, the Diaconate, the diocese of Springfield in Illinois and the Church universal.  The deacon shares in the threefold ministry of the Church, that of Bishop, Priest and Deacon.  In this role he will work in the Church and reflect to bishops and priests the witness of the Christian in the marketplace. 

Recognizing the importance of ongoing communication and evaluation of ministry, the pastor and deacon will schedule regular and frequent consultations.

In the event of a change in the major thrust of the ministry noted above, the revised area(s) of services will be determined in consultation with the Pastor and Deacon.  The revised Ministry Agreement will be forwarded to the Office for the Diaconate for inclusion in the deacon’s file.