So......what
exactly is a permanent deacon?
Permanent Diaconate Program
soon to begin - first ever in history of diocese
Editor’s note: Bishop John C. Nienstedt has appointed
Deacon Mark Kober as the first ever Director of the
Permanent Diaconate Program. The support of parishioners in the diocese to the
Diocesan Ministries Appeal has made this important program possible. Deacon
Mark is currently the City Manager of Sleepy Eye, MN and also serves as a
permanent deacon at the
As the diocese prepares to recruit the first group of
prospective deacon candidates, The Prairie Catholic sat down with Deacon Kober to ask questions about the diaconate and the
formation program.
What is the permanent diaconate?
Deacon Kober: The diaconate
is an ancient order of the Church that goes back to the Acts of the Apostles.
In the early Church, the deacon was a regular office. But in the 10th and 11th
centuries, the diaconate evolved into mainly a transitional step on the way to
the priesthood. The second Vatican Council restored the order of a
"permanent" diaconate in the mid-1960’s. The
first post-Vatican II deacons were ordained about 1970. Priests are still ordained deacons for a
period of about one year (transitional) before they are ordained
priests. Permanent deacons are as the
name implies, permanently of the order of deacons.
What does the permanent deacon do?
Deacon Kober: Permanent
deacons are ordained for service to the Church and her people. There are three
areas in which they serve: liturgy, word and charity. In the liturgy, the
deacon assists the bishop or priest during Mass and other liturgies. In service
to the word, he spreads the good news of Christ and His Gospels through the
proclamation of the Gospel and preaching. He is also asked to preach through
the example of his life. In service to charity, the deacon serves the people of
God through works of charity to the poor, the sick, the imprisoned, the
homeless, and people who are otherwise in need.
What are the qualifications to become
a deacon?
Deacon Kober: A complete
list is being prepared but let me give you my short list. First, and foremost,
you must have a calling from God to serve others. You must be a confirmed Roman
Catholic man, at least thirty-five years of age at ordination. You must be
actively engaged in the life of your parish or area faith community and a
member of the parish and/or diocese for a period of time.You
must be a person in good physical, psychological, and spiritual health. If you
are married, you must have the support of your wife and family.
What is the role of the deacon’s wife and family?
Deacon Kober: A deacon’s wife
and family are critical to his ministry.
They must be supportive and understand the role of the deacon. They are not to be neglected once the deacon
is ordained. My wife attended every academic formation session with me for
three and one-half years. She and my
three sons are involved in many of my activities as a deacon. Many of the activities have become family
activities.
How does one prepare to be a deacon?
Deacon Kober: Generally,
there is a time of reflection, prayer and discernment, called “aspirancy” and it lasts for about one year. If the aspirant
has a calling to the diaconate and is approved by the bishop, he will enter
academic formation for four years. During the entire five-year process, special
attention is given to the spiritual formation and direction of deacon
candidates.
How does the diaconate fit in with job and family?
Deacon Kober: Each person
needs to find a balance. The basic idea of the combination of secular work and
ministry conjures up images of conflict. Most deacons share important
occupations and deacon service successfully.
Where will the deacons be assigned after their
ordination?
Deacon Kober: It is hoped
that every Area Faith Community will have at least one deacon. The bishop will
assign the deacons after they are ordained. Since most deacons have homes and
jobs, the assignments will be within a reasonable distance but may not be a
home parish or area faith community. The bishop will assign deacons where they
are needed the most.
If I am thinking about becoming a deacon, who should I
be talking with right now?
Deacon Kober: The first
person to talk with is your pastor or pastoral administrator. Let him or her
know that you are interested. In a few months, I will be conducting some
regional information sessions on the permanent diaconate for prospective
candidates and their wives. In the meantime, I would love to talk with anyone
who is thinking about becoming a deacon.
When will the program actually begin?
Deacon Kober: The most
immediate tasks in order to begin the program are to inform the people of the
diocese about the permanent diaconate and to get the basic information about
the formation program into the hands of prospective candidates. Then, plans are
to start the application process in the late spring or early summer. The
formation program itself will begin after testing, interviews, and the
selection of the first group.
Any closing thoughts you want to share?
Deacon Kober: I am honored
that Bishop Nienstedt chose me for this position. I am so excited about having
the chance to help form new deacons. I never dreamed that I would have this
opportunity and I can assure you that the diocese is going to get the very best
that I have to offer. Right now, all of us need to pray that God will bless the
diocese abundantly with holy men who are interested in the diaconate and that
the Holy Spirit will help us discern the best prospects.
Deacon Mark Kober can be reached during business hours at the