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The process began in May 2007, when I called priests together for a seminar on several topics, the Permanent Diaconate being one.
I made an introduction from my own observations and from speaking to Bishops around Australia.
Father John Grace presented a paper on the history of the Permanent Diaconate and the Canon Law governing it.
Charles Le Marque, a married deacon n Mackay, gave a personal testimony on his life story and experience which was very moving.
I asked the priests for their thoughts and 75% were in favour, with the other 25% not opposed, but having some reservations.
I then took the Permanent Diaconate issue to the Diocesan Pastoral Council after providing them with articles and information and Father Grace’s writings. After discussion, there was strong agreement with some reservations expressed around the ‘how’ and the safeguards for those who might answer the call.
I then took the matter back to the Priest’s Council where support was again given.
I gathered together a small Task Force, of Father Bryan Hanifin, Father John Grace, Mrs Margaret Tucker, Sister Mary Sheridan rsj, from the Haven, and Ms Carole Gan and myself.
We had discussions and decided to produce an information pamphlet with a Pastoral Letter which I had read in every parish and the pamphlet was distributed to all. At the same time, I announced a series of consultations throughout the Diocese and they were held in Emerald, Barcaldine, Mackay, Gladstone, Bundaberg and Rockhampton.
They were very helpful evenings well attended, except for Gladstone, yet even there, a strong discussion took place. At each venue, as many of the Task Force were present as were available and I was there for each one.
The overwhelming feeling was supportive. A process of recording the aspects of the issue was devised. At the end of three of the nights, people were asked to fill in an evaluation form with an indication of their thoughts. It was from those forms that I have gained the belief that there was strong support. Again, reservations were expressed but the Team was able to address many as they were recorded, or acknowledged that there needed to be further consideration.
Since then, I took the issue back to the priest gathering in June and again a clear majority, perhaps 75% are supportive and the remainder with reservations that relate to the ‘how’ and the practical details of going ahead.
Finally, just last Friday, at he Diocesan Pastoral council, it was discussed again with some new possibilities for permanent deacons being raised, and again, there was full support, with reservations. Could I just summarise some of what emerged from the various group responses and the diocesan consultation.
The strong sense of vocation or call to the sacramental state of deacon, became much clearer. Deacon Charles Le Marque and other testimonies emphasised the personal call to the diaconate. It wasn’t to help the priests, or because there is a shortage of priests, it is a sacred calling which is offered through the Sacrament of Holy Orders. Nor was it to diminish the already strong lay commitment to many ministries, especially the outstanding role of women throughout the Diocese.
The second clarification came in the understanding of how many deacons there might be. Many thought that each community would have a deacon which was not at all envisaged. There might be a few, perhaps a half dozen. If we decide to go ahead, we do not know if anyone would feel called to it.
Many concerns were raised about ‘how’ it could happen and I acknowledge these genuine issues, e.g.
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payment of support for a married deacon and his family
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transfer from one place to another – with family
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full time / part time – voluntary – stipend / no stipend
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consideration for the wife and family
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what happens if the wife dies, can a deacon marry again?
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Formation and education – who carries cost, how is it delivered?
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Respect for lay ministries already functioning well and many other practical issues which would have to be addressed
Another clarification was that the deacon is linked to the bishop, not to a priest or a parish. It is a life of service and there are many possibilities for ministries – regional, chaplaincy, administration.
So, I believe the consultation has gone on for sufficient time and a decision should be made. I am aware that not everyone feels the process has been long enough, but on the other hand, I believe it need not go on forever.
My decision, after much prayer, thought and advice is to set up a small committee to look into the implementation of the Permanent Diaconate in our Diocese. This Team would look at the models operating in other dioceses and at the same time, look at a model that would suit our Diocese. So, it would look at a formation process, an education process and how to go about it. The committee would look into the practical issues that have been raised and report on how other dioceses have handled them.
The committee will consult ordained deacons for their experience in receiving education and formation, enquire into the ways of broadening those opportunities to include others in ministry In other words, we would look into the setting up of a formation and education program, open to all, including those seeking to discern a call to the Diaconate.
I will ask this committee to furnish an interim report before the end of the year, and if the way ahead is clear, then to begin next year, at least to seek if there is any interest in the Permanent Diaconate in the Diocese. I am confident that as our Diocese has been led by the Spirit in so many wonderful ways, so the Spirit will show us the way forward.
I am keen to move ahead because I can see some wonderful benefits in this ministry of ordained deacons. I will await the report of the small committee which I will appoint and if it is favourable or open, then we will move ahead with the Permanent Diaconate.
+ Brian Heenan
Bishop of Rockhampton
17 August 2008
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