Archdiocese of Denver

Diaconal Ministries Resource Manual 3 Letter from the Archbishop My Brothers in Christ, Over the last few years, I have asked Deacons to take their ministry of service to both the faith- ful in the parishes, as well as, those who are outside the walls of the many parishes in the Archdi- ocese. So, I am excited to see a resource manual that outlines the various diaconal ministries that speak to the heart of the faithful people in the Archdiocese and touches the lives of those on the peripheries. The Vatican Norms for the Life and Ministry of the Permanent Diaconate (NLMPD) tells us that " ... the ministry of the word leads to ministry at the altar, which in turns prompts the transforma- tion of life by the liturgy, resulting in charity ... these three ministries [of the Deacon] are insepa- rably joined in God's plan for redemption". This charitable service of the Church is an important mission of the Deacon, allowing him to become a catalyst when bringing God to the people that are lost, confused and without hope while leading the faithful to a mission of service to those in need. Indeed, a function of the Deacon in the Holy Mass is to present the prayers and lives of the people of God to Jesus Christ as he passes the offerings of bread and wine to the celebrant. The Deacon "represents the people of God ... and helps them united their lives to the offering of Christ ... " (NLMPD) In other words, the Deacon, through the ministry of service "highlights that quality which best shows the face of Christ." (St. John Paul II) This Manual is a collection of services that can be used to help "show the face of God" to those seeking to transform their lives; fulfilling God's plan for redemption! At a Deacon Convocation in 2016, I challenged the Deacons to be the Shepherd that goes out among the thickets and into the corners of the Archdiocese, seek out the lost sheep, place them on their shoulders, and bring them home to the Church. I thank God for each Deacon that has al- lowed the Holy Spirit to work through him and take my blessings out to those in the peripheries. I know that there are many Priests and lay faithful that are a part of these, and other ministries that bring people back to God. I pray this resource manual enhances the call to evangelization and revelation. May the pages of this book be well worn and tattered for the good of the Kingdom of God. Fraternally yours in Christ, Most Rev. Samuel J. Aquila, S.T.L. Archbishop of Denver

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