2
Diaconate
The Message -- for Catholics of Southwestern Indiana
Ii
Exploring the restoration of the permanent diaconate
World War, mission
needs sped diaconate
movement
By FATHER JOHN MOORE
Special to the Message
From the Middle Ages to the
days of World War II, the office of
deacon was in eclipse. To be sure, it
lingered in the twilight world of the
mystic, but it really wasn't taken too
seriously in its own right. Perhaps in
the tradition of the Eastern and Or-
thodox Churches the role of deacon
had particular meaning but in reality
the office was more historic tradition
than ministry of service.
The human tragedy of World
War II not only changed the map but
also the mind of Europe. In Ger-
many, theologians who had been in
prison at Dachau urged the ordina-
tion of permanent and married dea-
cons. As a result of their efforts, the
Community of the Diaconate was
founded in Freiburg-Breisgau in
1951.
In 1956, Bishop von Bekknm of
Indonesia proposed the restoration of
the permanent diaconate for mission
countries. Pope Plus XII indicated
his support and sympathy for such a
move but declared in October 1957
that "the time is not yet ripe."
In 1959, Caritas International re-
iiii
The human tragedy of World War II not
only changed the map but also the mind
of Europe. In Germany, theologians who
had been in prison at Dachau urged the
ordination of permanent and married
deacons.
quested that the permanent
diaconate be restored and
from October 4 to 16, 1963, the
subject was discussed during
the deliberations of Vatican
for the restoration came from
-- Rome in August 1968.
Shortly thereafter the NCCB
issued guidelines and formed a
study committee on the perma-
nent diaconate. On
Council II. On Sep-
tember 29, 1964, in J September 15,1972,
four separate votes, |l Pope Paul VI issued
the Council approved [ further norms regard"
the restoration of the ing the diaconate.
diaconate, v Since that time
The first interna- .. I[ * the bishops of the
United States have estal
tional congress on the diaconate [[ ,,./ lished a secretaria! f°r
was held in Rome in October ]L - the diaconate at tllel
1965. Shortly thereafter an in- 1,5 headquarters ia WaSh"
ternational commission was ] mgton, D.C. This ottl
set up to advise the Pope on
has assumed responsibil"
how to implement the rec- l lty for approving diocesan
ommendations of Vatican
II. pans for the restoration of the
"II 8
diaconate, for formulatl.g .
On June 18, 1967, Pope full program of spiritual, e;
Paul V[ issued Sacrum Dia-
conatus Ordinem, a docu- logical and pastoral ibrm.a'o;;
and for servicing the blsia r
merit which re-established the with regard to specitl, q.;i
tions on the diaconate and detan
permanent diaconate for the
Western Church and left to the bish-
ops of each country the determina-
tion of time and circumstances.
In April 1968, the National Con-
ference of Catholic Bishops (NCCB)
prepared a position paper and
formed an ad hoc committee to es-
tablish the permanent diaconate in
the United States. Formal approval
the diaconate vocation ..... ,,
Under the direction of theli,
o s' Committee on the Permanent "
P dioCeSes
aconate more than 150 (arch) _le.
in tile United States have inW'
mented the diaconate, papa l
Next week: Council and
Statements on Diaconate
Deacon Cyril H. Will: Homilies are his biggest challenge
Cyril H. Will What is it you would most want people to know about the
3205 Autumnwood Way
Evansville, IN 47715
(812) 477-6750
Profession/occupation: Materials coordinator at Cyanede Plastics in Henderson, Ky.
Assignment: Deacon at Good Shepherd Church, Evansville.
Deacon Cyril and Patricia Will have been married for
29 years. They have three children, Matthew, Sheryl and
David, and two grandchildren.
He was born March 18, 1940, and ordained a deacon
February 10, 1990.
Describe your ministry as a deacon:
RCIA coordinator; weekend homilies; Communion ser-
vices each Monday and Friday. Assist the pastor with
other liturgy services, as needed.
ministry of a permanent deacon?
That we have not chosen this ministry. We have been called
. . . erllla"
by the Bishop and the people of this diocese of make a p,. the
nent commitment to the sacrament of service. Througt.
Sacrament of Orders, we have accepted that call to be ol
vice to the people of God for the rest of our lives,
DON'T MISS THE
ST. MATTHEW
Describe your most challenging moment as a deacon:
Giving my first homily. It is still my most challenging
area. I must put a lot of effort into preparing to make sure
my message fits the readings.
CYRIL H. WILL
Describe your most rewarding moment as deacon:
I don't believe there are any single moments. I am very
pleased in my work place when I see people watching
their language when I'm around. It happens almost every
day. Most all of them know I'm a deacon.
How do you manage job or career and the demands of the ministry?
I simply follow the priority given to me during my formation. Family, job, and then ministry.
Although it hurts at times because I can only do so much, I've learned to say no.
I III IIIII
Thinking of SELLING?
DIANE EMGE
423-8572
CLEM BEHME
425-8916
SALLY HELFRICH RffTER
424-7586
We would be happy to perform a Market Value Appraisal of your property
and explain our marketing plan to you
IIALTOU -- • 464-11P 1
On the parish grounds
421 Mulberry Street, Mt. Vernon, Ind.
SUNDAY
JULY 25
featuring
ROAST BEEF DINNERS
with all the trimmings. Served 11 a.m, to 2 p.m. in ai
ALSO FEATURING
• Ice Cream • Sandwiches
• Ice Cold Drinks • Novelties
• Corn on Cob • Games
• Nachos • Bingo
• Crafts • Wheels
3rd Annual St. Matthew's 5-k Rut1
Walk & Children's Run, 6 p.ra.
10 BEAUTIFUL QUILTS
WILL BE RAFFLED oFF
WILL BE GIVEN
You're all invited to join in the
