National Directory for the Formation, Ministry and Life of Permanent ...

Doctrinal Understanding of the Diaconate17People in communion with the bishop and his body of priests. “Theprincipal function of the deacon, therefore, is to collaborate withthe bishop and the priests in the exercise of a ministry which is notof their own wisdom but of the Word of God, calling all to conversionand holiness.” 2330. Referring to the traditional description of the deacon’s diakoniato the Church and the bishop, Pope John Paul II observes thatin an ancient text, the deacon’s ministry is defined as a “service tothe bishop.” 24 This observation highlights the constant understandingof the Church that the deacon enjoys a unique relationship withhis bishop. The Pope clearly has in view, therefore, the reason fornot only the diaconate but the whole apostolic ministry: serving thediscipleship of God’s people. Pope John Paul II notes thatService to the Peopleof Godthe deacon’s tasks include that of “promoting and sustainingthe apostolic activities of the laity.” To the extent he is morepresent and more involved than the priest in secular environmentsand structures, he should feel encouraged to foster closenessbetween the ordained ministry and lay activities, in commonservice to the kingdom of God. 25In particular, “a deeply felt need in the decision to reestablish thepermanent diaconate,” the Pope recalls, “was and is that of a greaterand more direct presence of Church ministers in the various spheresof the family, work, school, etc., in addition to existing pastoralstructures.” 26 Deacons, both married and celibate, serve God’sPeople by their witness to the gospel value of sacrificial love, a qualityof life too easily dismissed in today’s society. In their secularemployment, deacons also make evident the dignity of human work.Contemporary society is in need of a “new evangelization whichdemands a greater and more generous effort on the part of [all]ordained ministers.” 27 This is especially an opportunity and obligationfor deacons in their secular professions to boldly proclaim andwitness to the Gospel of life.