Diaconate – What does it mean?

The Diaconate is a ministry deeply rooted in Scriptural accounts of the early church.  The word “deacon” comes from the Greek word “diakonia,” which means “to serve.”  It is grounded in one of the basic messages of the Gospel that says, “unless you serve others, you cannot enter the Kingdom.”  As Christianity grew, it was necessary to appoint men as deacons to work alongside the apostles.  In Acts 6:1-6, apostles, who were wise men full of the Holy Spirit, laid their hands on deacons, to assist them in caring for the needs of people.

On January 15, 1983, Bishop Joseph Maguire ordained 19 men as the first deacons to administer and serve the spiritual needs of the people throughout the Diocese of Springfield.

Currently, there are 68 active deacons serving in our diocese.

If you feel called to the Permanent Diaconate and wish to speak to someone about the discernment process please contact our office. Call 413-452-0674, or Email [email protected]