DEACON PASTORAL AGREEMENT
The needs of the community must be assessed with an understanding of the gifts which the deacon brings to the community. Formation of the statement must reflect awareness of and consideration for the priorities of family, job, as well as the spiritual growth and personal well being of the deacon and his family. The Pastoral Agreement should reflect full understanding of the role of diaconal ministry being complementary to that of priest, yet distinct from the priest's role as leader and presider of the parish community. The ministry of a Deacon is meant to animate the empowerment of the People of God. The ministry of a Deacon includes the trimunera of Justice/Charity, Sacrament and Word.
This agreement is intended to provide the basis for a ministry of service to the People of God at
______Parish, in ______, Ohio by ______a Deacon functioning with those faculties granted by the Ordinary of the Diocese of Toledo.
The parties to this agreement are:
Deacon ______and his wife ______.
The Parish community as represented by ______, Pastor of ______.
INTRODUCTION
It is understood that the Deacon is a man with secular employment who must place appropriate priority upon his family, his employment and his ministry. The Deacon's wife, if he is married, is recognized as an integral part of his service to the community. It is with her support that his ministry is possible. It is with these above priorities in mind, together with the necessity to clearly understand the nature and purpose of the Deacon’s role in the parish community that this Agreement is formulated.
MINISTRY OF JUSTICE/CHARITY
A ministry of justice/charity to the community shall be carried out through: Outreach ministry to charitable or justice institution or organization, membership or leadership of a parish social concerns or justice committee, or other ministry which will clearly indicate how he will serve those marginalized in society and the Church.
The Deacon will exercise the Ministry of Justice/Charity by: ______
MINISTRY OF SACRAMENT
Specific areas of Sacramental/Liturgical ministry include: Function as Deacon at weekend and holyday liturgies and special liturgical functions of the parish. Read, honor and protect the Word of the Lord. Assist bishops and priests at liturgical functions. Take part in and lead the faithful in the various liturgical services of the Church (e.g. Scripture Services, Benediction, prayer services) as his personal schedule will permit and in collaboration with the pastor. Distribute the Eucharist (to himself and others) and take it to the sick and dying. Preside at funerals, vigil services and burial services as his personal schedule permits and in collaboration with the pastor. Administer Baptisms and Marriages, together with the necessary preliminary preparations or instructions.
The Deacon will exercise the ministry of the Sacrament/Liturgy in the Parish as follows: ______
MINISTRY OF WORD
There are many areas of Word necessary to the Parish: Prepare and deliver homilies, after completion of homiletics, and being granted faculties by the Bishop Assist in the Christian Formation program of the parish in areas of competence, when appropriate, as determined by the pastor and deacon. Serve members of the community on an individual basis through Sacramental and Catechetical instructions and in counseling in areas of competence as directed by the pastor and as his personal time permits. Assist the Parish Worship Commission in planning and coordination of all areas of worship, particularly toward development of the prayer life of the community. Participate in parish ecumenical functions.
The Deacon will exercise the ministry of Word in the Parish as follows: ______
Role of the Parish Recognizing that the Deacon's service is of a limited time nature with no compensation expected or to be accepted, together with the norms established and recommended by the Diocese of Toledo, the following
will be provided for his ministry by the parish: An expense allowance, to the level established by the Diocese of Toledo for the purpose of defraying the costs of continuing education, workshops, retreats, and other programs related to growth as a minister. The amount is the same as that for the presbyterate of the Diocese of Toledo. Purchase of vestments required for the carrying out of the liturgical role of the Deacon. Liturgical vestments are the only clerical garb appropriate to the Deacon, in accord with the norms established by the USCCB and the Diocese of Toledo. A designated area in which the work of instructions, counseling, study and preparation can be performed by the Deacon. Provision for release from his normal responsibilities to participate in recommended spiritual exercises and community activities for the Diaconate of the Diocese of Toledo. Provision for participation in Diocesan Liturgical celebrations in recognition of his diaconal role of service to the Ordinary and bishops of the Diocese. Reimbursement of personal expenses incurred by the deacon in carrying out his ministry.
CONCLUSION: The Deacon will at all time conduct himself with good taste and proper conduct so as not to bring disrespect upon the parish community, the Diaconate, the Diocese of Toledo and the Church Universal. The deacon shares in the threefold ministry of the Church, of Bishop, Priest and Deacon. In this role he will work in the Church and reflect to the priests and bishops the witness of the Christian in the marketplace. Recognizing the importance of ongoing communication and evaluation of ministry the pastor and deacon will schedule regular and frequent consultations. In event of a change in the major thrust of the ministry as noted above, the revised area(s) of services will be determined in consultation by the Pastor and the Deacon. Whenever there is a change of Pastor, the agreement is to be reviewed and updated as needed. The revised Pastoral Agreement will be forwarded to the Office of Vicar for Deacons for inclusion in the deacon’s file.
We will project this agreement for a period of six years, with mutual evaluation along the way.
This agreement will take effect upon assignment by the Ordinary.
THE ABOVE IS HEREBY ACCEPTED:
______SIGNATURE OF DEACON SIGNATURE OF WIFE (IF MARRIED)
______SIGNATURE OF PASTOR SIGNATURE OF VICAR
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