Deacons are public ministers of the Catholic Church, ordained for the three-fold ministries of the Word, Liturgy, and Charity. At present, there are more than 80 active deacons serving in parishes and special ministries throughout the Diocese of Tulsa. Fundamentally, a deacon is a Man of Service who is called from the Church Community to a lifelong and public commitment to service through the sacrament of Holy Orders. Deacons are men who are best characterized as “having a servant’s heart.” Their lived faith is one of caring for others, helping where needed, and giving of themselves in the works of their parish community and/or the Diocesan Church.
Deacons serve in a variety of ministries: as parish ministers, prison chaplains, hospital chaplains, diocesan administration and services. New deacons might be assigned to their home parishes but should realize that deacons could also from time to time be asked to take on a new assignment in the diocese. Deacons minister under the authority of the Bishop and are assigned to assist in his overall ministry.
Prior to admission to formation, those desiring to apply for the diaconate will complete a detailed application and participate in a series of interviews, psychological evaluations, and other pertinent discernment programs to ensure the men are properly discerning a call to the clergy.
Read more about Diaconate Formation and Entrance Requirements here.