As a preliminary to tackling the ordination rites for deacons, priests, and bishops, I thought we would take a look at the two apostolic letters (motu proprio) from Pope Paul VI restoring the permanent diaconate (Sacrum Diaconatus Ordinem in 1967) and establishing norms for the order (Ad Pascendum in 1972). From there, we’ll look at the ordination rites for the deacon.

My non-deacon readers and I both would find invaluable the commentary of any deacons out there who wish to add to the discussion. Certainly if any deacons have any special reflections on these documents and the rites as we progress through, feel free to e-mail me and supply in advance (or even after the fact) anything that will shed light on the Order of Deacons, their formation and ordination, and how they serve the Church.

I would include the restoration of the permanent diaconate as one of the success stories of the post-Vatican II scene. There’s no doubt many fine people serve the Church as deacons and their service has added great honor to the Body of Christ.