By Anastasia Pinto
The Jubilee of Deacons, celebrated in Rome from February 21-23, provided a wonderful occasion for us at The Lay Centre to welcome Deacon Andrew Saunders on February 26 for our weekly community evening.
Deacon Andrew, currently serving as co-director of the “4:12 Pathway for Pastoral Leadership grant” and as an adjunct professor of Systematic Theology at Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology, Seton Hall University, shared his valuable insights into the permanent diaconate and its vital role in the Church today.
He has worked in the formation of deacons from various dioceses across the United States and continues his commitment to nurturing leadership within the Church.
For Deacon Andrew, the permanent diaconate can be summed up in one simple word: service.
The Mission of Service
Service in the Word, service at liturgy, and, most importantly, service in charity to the poor, the marginalized, the lonely, and those who are faceless in society. Deacon Andrew also drew attention to the growth of the permanent diaconate within the Church over the past 60 years, noting that more than 50 thousand deacons are now serving worldwide.
One of the most powerful images he shared was that of the deacon as a bridge between the altar and the street.
“What we do at the altar,” he said, “leads to what we do on the street,” referencing Pope Francis’ homily to permanent deacons on May 29, 2018: “Deacons are set apart… only to be immersed into society.”
He highlighted how the threefold ministry of deacons – liturgy, Word, and charity – has a forward focus, always oriented toward service. He invited the community to recognize that, by virtue of our baptism, we are all called to serve. He emphasized how the example set by deacons can inspire us to actively live out our own mission through service in the Church and society.
From a Calling to a Vocation
Sharing his personal experience of being called to the diaconate, he emphasized the vital role played by his family and his pastor. He acknowledged that when he received this call, it was the encouragement and support of his wife and the guidance of his pastor that made his decision possible, underscoring the communal nature of the diaconal vocation.
Embracing the words of Pope Francis, who stated, “Deacons are the guardians of the Church’s service,” he emphasized that while many of the tasks deacons perform can also be carried out by laypeople or priests.
“The most important aspect of the diaconate,” he said, “is not just what we do, it is who we are. The ministry is about presence – being there for families, accompanying them in joy and sorrow.”
The Deep Historical Roots of the Diaconate
Deacon Andrew highlighted the deep historical and theological roots of the diaconate, tracing its origins to the Old Testament Levitical ministry in Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy, and further to Acts 6:1-6, where the first seven deacons were appointed.
He expressed that the early Church Fathers referred to the diaconate as the “eyes and ears of the Church.” He also noted how the diaconate’s modern evolution was influenced by German priests in the Dachau concentration camp during WWII, who envisioned a role for married men in the diaconate – one that would allow them to reach into society’s most remote areas, serving the Church in ways that reflected the compassionate presence of Christ.
Emphasizing the specific mandate and charisma of deacons in service, he pointed out that the universal call to service was further reinforced at the close of the Second Vatican Council when St. Pope Paul VI declared that “The Church is in service to all humanity.” He also highlighted how the Pope referred to the diaconate as “the driving force for the Church’s diaconia or service.”
