Word, Liturgy, Charity: The Diaconate in the U.S. Catholic Church, 1968–2018

by Thu T. Do (Contributor), Thomas P. Gaunt (Contributor), Mary L. Gautier (Contributor)

To commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the restoration of the diaconate as a permanent and stable order of ministry in the United States, the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) at Georgetown University undertook a contemporary study of the diaconate in the United States. Building on studies completed in 1981 and 1995 as well as annual research that CARA has conducted for the USCCB since 2005, CARA designed a comprehensive study of deacons, their wives, diaconate directors, and bishops to explore all aspects of this ministry. This book explores trends in the diaconate as well as current and emerging opportunities and challenges in the ministry. Deacons and their wives, diaconate directors, and bishops share insights about how those trends impact diaconal ministry today and into the future.

177 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 31, 2018

Reviews

[Brian Jackett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciate the in depth coverage of how Diaconate life impacts both the Deacon, Deacon's wife, as well as community. The review of past survey data from multiple generations was also interesting to see changing perceptions and feelings on multiple areas including satisfaction with role, parish / priest understanding of role, and more. I have a better picture all-up as a result.

A few chapters were too repetitive and I ended up skimming through those. Overall recommend for those interested in or discerning the Diaconate as an additional aide.

[Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I selected this book hoping for more of a historical analysis of the permanent diaconate in the United States, but the statistical nature of this was still helpful and very interesting.