Deacon's Customary - The Episcopal Diocese of Central New York

CUSTOMARY FOR DEACONSDIOCESE OF CENTRAL NEW YORKVISION STATEMENTA deacon is a baptized person called and empowered by God and the Church to be a modelof Christ‘s servant ministry for all people. As agents of God‘s compassion and reconcilinggrace, deacons are missionaries to the world and messengers to the Church of the world‘sneeds, hopes and concerns. In the Church, deacons call forth, empower, and inspire thebaptized to respond to these needs. The role of the deacon in liturgy mirrors this role ofthe deacon in Church and world. Deacons are living symbols of Christ‘s presence as theyembody Christ‘s servant ministry and point to the presence of Christ in those they serve.~ North American Association for the DiaconateThis Deacon Customary is a description of the working role and common practice ofdeacons in relationship to the Bishop, clergy and parishes of the Diocese of CentralNew York.1. The Discernment of a Call to Diaconal MinistryThrough their ordination vows, deacons place themselves under orders to follow Jesus andto be obedient to the Bishop, who gives them the mandate to encourage, support, anddevelop servant ministry in this diocese.Three Aspects of Call1) A deacon possesses the ability to articulate the proclamation of servant ministrythat is present in the Gospel and who shows leadership skills and a willingness to leadothers into servant ministry.2) A deacon has the courage to be a prophetic voice to the Church concerning theneeds of the powerless and voiceless in the community. She or he is a person who has themental ability and competence for ordained ministry, and who understands that thediaconate is a life long discernment of the direction of his or her ministry. This processinvolves continuous prayer, openness to change, willingness to study, and the active questfor personal growth.3) The diaconate is a distinct order. The individual aspiring to the Sacred Order ofDeacons must clearly articulate and demonstrate that he or she is called to the order ofministry which is personified by servant ministry, diakonia.1

Signs of CallFIRST, a person articulating a vocation to the diaconate will recognize within oneself andreceive affirmation from the Church as possessing these three attributes:1) The exercise of a servant ministry in the world;2) The desire and capacity to call the Church to a life of service in the name of Christand to call the body of Christ to live out the servant ministry given at baptism;3) The desire and capacity to interpret to the Church the needs, concerns and hopes ofthe world.SECOND, a person with a discernable diaconal vocation evidences many, if not all, of thefollowing qualities:1) A strong commitment to and love for Jesus Christ and all the people of God;2) An ability to articulate his or her faith;3) A confirmed adult member in good standing with the understanding of his or herministry as a baptized person;4) A spiritual life marked by the holy habits of worship, prayer, the study of scripture,and proportional giving;5) A vocation to serve and enable others to serve;6) empathy for the powerless;7) A history of satisfactory employment (if applicable) and interpersonalrelationships;8) A willingness to undertake extensive preparation, including theological education,spiritual formation, and practice of ministry;9) A clear understanding of the ministry of a deacon;10) A willingness to serve God through the leadership of the Diocesan Bishop.THIRD, a person with a discernable vocation to the diaconate will recognize within oneselfand be affirmed by the Church as being called to live the vision statement for diaconalministry, noted at the beginning of this booklet. Deacons are often at work in risky placesand at the margins, responding to the needs of the poor, the weak, the addicted, the sick,and the lonely, thus enabling them to discover the presence of God in their world.Deacons are called to engage in issues of justice, mercy, poverty, family and theenvironment. Increasingly, the role is one of opening doors of opportunity, encouragingothers to take risks, and serving as agents of change.2. The Relationship of the Deacon to the Bishop and the DioceseTraditionally the deacon serves immediately under the authority of the Bishop. In mostcases the Bishop will assign the deacon to a parish/mission after consultation with thedeacon and the member of the Clergy exercising oversight. In addition, a deacon may begiven a non-parochial mission by the Bishop. (Title III, Canon 7.4) The deacon is subjectto reassignment by the Bishop at any time. Any deacon contemplating a new assignmentis to be in touch with the Bishop immediately, before entering into any negotiations. Thegifts, talents and experience of a deacon will be considered during times of transition, aswell as the ministry needs of the diocese.2

Deacons, including those ministering within a secular institution, are to have a parishaffiliation as a home-base. Unassigned deacons are to be in close communication with theBishop who has jurisdiction over them.Deacons are to be in regular attendance at regional meetings, district meetings and clericus,diocesan convention, clergy conferences, and other scheduled meetings for deacons.Parishes are asked to assist with the financial support necessary to allow deacons to dothis. The warden‘s signature on the Covenant and guidelines signifies that the vestryacknowledges its willingness to do so.Deacons are reimbursed for professional expenses incurred as part of their ministry, asagreed upon between the deacon and the parish.The deacon shall have an annual written Covenant Agreement with the priest, vestry, andBishop, and signed by all. The contents of the agreement will follow the outline providedby the Bishop‘s Office. (See appendix A)3. The Relationship of the Deacon to the Congregation and to the Supervising PriestEach deacon works under the supervision of a priest. The deacon meets regularly with thesupervising priest in his/her parish for a mutual review of the deacon‘s ministry and forplanning. The Covenant Agreement is to be reviewed and, if necessary, updated each year,with each revision sent to the Bishop for final approval.Should a situation of conflict or disagreement arise, the deacon, supervising priest, andother individuals involved are encouraged to engage in conversation to clarify the issuesand work toward resolution before contacting the Bishop.Family members are discouraged from serving on the vestry of the parish where the deaconis engaged in ministry.Deacons appropriately work with pastoral care, the outreach committee, and/or socialministries within the parish and the Diocese.When the supervising priest resigns or otherwise leaves the cure, the deacon must contactthe Bishop immediately and offer his/her resignation. Options for continuing service willbe discussed with the Bishop, deacon, warden, and interim priest, if there is one. Thedeacon (and the deacon‘s immediate family) will take no active role in a congregation‘ssearch process. When a new priest is called, the deacon may or may not be reassigned tothe congregation by the Bishop.3

4. The Deacon and the WorldThe deacon, in addition to being a messenger of servanthood, interprets the needs andconcerns of the world to the institutional Church. It is appropriate for the parish to have acommittee to work closely with the deacon on outreach ministry. The deacon works withthe outreach committee and the vestry to make decisions about outreach funds. If thedeacon is given a discretionary fund it is to be audited annually.5. The Deacon Speaking to the ChurchBecause the deacon brings the concerns and needs of the world to the attention of theinstitutional Church, the deacon is expected to have a voice in all decision making bodiesin the diocese and in the parishes and missions of the Diocese. The deacons offerprophetic voices wherever the Church makes decisions.6. The Deacon in the LiturgyDeacons function in roles appropriate to the order at all diocesan liturgies and thoseplanning such diocesan liturgies will include deacons in their appropriate roles.All clergy are to be knowledgeable in and observant of the Canons of The EpiscopalChurch. The rubrics of the Book of Common Prayer, the Canons, and the DiocesanBishop‘s expectations, will guide the liturgical functioning of the deacon at the diocesanand local parish level. The supervising priest will be expected to encourage the deacon tofunction in those roles specific to the diaconal order.The deacon is to emphasize the place of the Gospel in the liturgy. The deacon may carrythe Gospel Book in procession, place it in a prominent place, and read the Gospel at theappropriate time.The deacon is to bring the needs of the world to the Church. Therefore, the deacon isresponsible for the Prayers of the People and issues the invitation to the Confession of Sin.During the prayers, the deacon encourages the people to participate and to bring the needsof which they are aware of to the attention of the worshiping community.When using Rite I, it is appropriate for the deacon to read the Comfortable Words and theSummary of the Law.As the principal minister of the chalice, it is appropriate that the deacon distributes wine,assisted by additional chalice bearers when necessary. The deacon may also distribute thebread.The deacon carries the Paschal candle in procession at the Easter Vigil and for Baptismsand funerals. If trained and able, the deacon sings the Exsultet at the Easter Vigil.4

The deacon may lead the prayers for the candidates for Baptism, Confirmation, andreception at services of Christian Initiation.The deacon may preach, but with the understanding that the rector/interim/vicar/priest-inchargeis the ordinary preacher of the parish. It is appropriate for the deacon to preach onMaundy Thursday and other feast days or occasions related to servant ministry.The deacon dismisses the congregation and includes ‗alleluia‘ during Easter season. In theDiocese of Central New York, the sacramental rites of the church are typicallyadministered by a priest. Therefore, Baptism, Eucharist, Marriage, Confession and Unctionare to be administered by a priest with the deacon assisting. In cases of necessity in theabsence of or at the request of a priest, it is appropriate for a deacon to anoint with oilwhen praying for the sick. (The oil must have been blessed by a bishop or priest.) In apublic liturgy of healing, the priest shall anoint with oil while the deacon may assist in thelaying on of hands and prayers. Deacons shall not preside at a Eucharist. When a priest isnot available to preside at the Eucharist, a licensed Worship Leader presides at MorningPrayer.Bishop Adams’ Liturgical CustomsThe deacon processes immediately in front of the Bishop during entrance andclosing processions.When preparing to bow at the altar, leave space for the presider in the middleThe deacon is to mimic the acts of the presider – bowing, crossingThe Bishop prefers everyone in the altar party, when moving to the altar, to formone line and bow togetherAlways be prepared to read any of the lessons; know the context, historical setting,etc.The deacon is to ask for the bishop‘s blessing prior to reading the Gospel in amanner similar to the following, ―Bishop, please give me your blessing.‖The Bishop prefers the scriptures not to be read from a piece of paperThe deacon introduces the confession.During Confirmations, the deacon stands on the left of the Bishop and will hold hiscrosier and Prayer Book during the laying on of hands.The deacon prepares the table and receives the gifts.When setting the table, the altar book will be placed on the Bishop‘s left.Only one chalice and one paten will be on the altar.The deacon will pour water into the chalice and cruet of wine when setting thetable.The alms basin/offerings are placed on the altar and remain there until after theprayer of consecration is completed.The reserve sacrament and additional chalices and patens will be brought to thetable after the presider has communicated the altar party.5

Once the setting of the table is completed, the deacon turns and bows to the Bishopto indicate readiness for consecration.Consecration & Post CommunionThe deacon is to be familiar with the contents and lay-out of the altar book.The deacon is to point and turn the pages of the altar book during the EucharisticPrayer.The deacon stands to the presider‘s left during the Great Thanksgiving.If chanting, Bishop Adams prefers the solemn tone over the simple tone.When there is an elevation at the doxology at the end of the canon and/or theinvitation, the deacon raises the chalice.After all have received communion and prior to the post communion prayer,remove the burse, veil, chalice, paten, Gospel Book and any other items from thealtar. The deacon performs ablutions after the service is completed.Place the altar book in the center of the altar. Prior to the post-communion prayer,the deacon moves to the place where the Bishop‘s miter and crosier are and afterthe post-communion prayer, the deacon is to give the miter and crosier to theBishop for the blessing.7. The Deacon and the Reserved SacramentThe deacon, along with the priest, is a minister of the reserved sacrament for those who,for reasonable cause, cannot be present at a public celebration of the Eucharist. Theservice for "Communion Under Special Circumstances" on page 396 of The Book ofCommon Prayer is used. The deacon, upon request from the priest, may train andsupervise Eucharistic ministers.8. The Deacon and Christian InitiationIt is appropriate for the deacon to participate in the preparation of candidates for HolyBaptism and Confirmation/Reception/Reaffirmation, especially in regard to the candidates'intention to promise to seek and serve Christ in all persons and to strive for justice andpeace. In keeping with ancient tradition, the deacon may administer the water in thebaptismal liturgy.9. Pastoral OfficesThe deacon typically does not preside at pastoral offices, although there is a diaconal roleat services such as weddings, funerals, Baptisms, and the anointing of the sick, as outlinedin The Book of Common Prayer. When a supply priest is called to provide a service suchas a Eucharist at a funeral and a deacon has been the pastor to the deceased and/or thefamily, it is especially appropriate for the deacon to participate in the service.6

10. Appropriate Attire of the DeaconClerical garb should be reserved for liturgical or pastoral occasions. Deacons areencouraged to wear an insignia of the Order of Deacons (pin or pendant) to promote thevisibility of the deacon.Vestments: Alb and stole should be worn only when the deacon is functioning as a deaconin the worship service. A dalmatic, if any, should be in keeping with the vestments wornby others. Cassock, surplice with tippet, or alb without stole, is appropriate for non-Eucharistic worship services or when not a participant in the altar party. If a master ofceremonies is in charge of the service, his/her direction shall be followed.11. Rite of TransitionA ―Celebration of New Ministry‖ or other liturgical institution during a regular worshipservice is appropriate upon a new assignment. Likewise, a leave taking liturgy such as theending of a pastoral relationship is appropriate when a deacon leaves the congregation forreassignment, retirement, or other reasons.12. Appropriate References to DeaconsThe deacon is referred to as "deacon", rather than "vocational" or "permanent" deacon. Adeacon in the process of ordination to the priesthood may appropriately be referred to as a"transitional" deacon. The proper title or address for a deacon is "Deacon (first name, lastname or first name and last name). The form "The Rev. Deacon" may also be used withfull name as normative for written communication, diocesan and parish publications andnewsletters.13. FinancesIt is expected that the deacon will be reimbursed by the parish for expenses related tohis/her service, including reimbursement for mileage, expenses of attending diocesanconvention and the annual deacon‘s conference. When able the parish is encouraged toprovide a stipend. This matter should be specifically addressed in the deacon‘s agreementincluding the number of hours the deacon serves weekly. The congregation should providefunding for continuing education for the deacon (books, video rental, courses, etc. Whena deacon undertakes a non-parochial assignment, reimbursement of expenses related to thedeacon‘s service shall be discussed with the Bishop and the supervisor and resolved beforethe assignment is effective.Discretionary Fund – Clergy discretionary funds have a long history of customary use inthe Episcopal Church. The existence and use of the clergy discretionary funds rest on thecanonical authority of the Almoner‘s Fund described in Title III, Canon 9, Section 5(6) of7

the Canons of the Episcopal Church. The discretionary fund is for such pious andcharitable uses as shall by the member of the clergy in charge be thought fit and will beaudited annually as part of the regular parish audit.The member of the clergy in charge of a congregation customarily has a special fund madeavailable by the Vestry, the expenditure of which is under the authority of the cleric. Themember of the clergy in charge of a congregation also may grant assistant clergy,permission to expend monies from the discretionary fund, or the vestry may establishseparate funds for the use of an assistant clergy or deacon. The clergy in charge of theparish where a deacon is assigned shall discuss with the deacon the usage of thediscretionary fund.14. Rule of LifeIt is expected that the deacon will maintain a disciplined prayer life, and deacons areencouraged to have and consult a trained spiritual director approved by the Bishop, andfollow a regular program of study. A plan of continuing education should be preparedannually, and implementation should be reported in the deacon‘s annual report. (SeeAppendix A).15. Conferences and Continuing EducationAll active deacons shall complete 8 (eight) hours of continuing education per year inaddition to the annual deacon‘s Conference. It is possible to combine these hours to 16(sixteen) hours every two years. Topics chosen should either improve skills and vision forthe deacon‘s current ministry or prepare the deacon for a new ministry of justice (ex. areasof racism, affordable housing, prison, etc.). Appropriate continuing education may bescheduled by the deacons themselves. It is important at the beginning of each year toknow the general areas of study anticipated, but not the particulars of time or place. Thedetails can be acknowledged in the final report. Deacons are encouraged to meet togetheron a regular basis to build collegiality and foster communication.16. Retirement [Pursuant to Title III Canon 7.7]A deacon may retire from active service for reasons of age or infirmity with the consent ofthe Bishop at any time and shall retire for reasons for age or infirmity at the request of theBishop. The Bishop may, with the consent of the deacon, assign a retired deacon to anycongregation, other community of faith or non-parochial ministry, for a period not toexceed twelve months, and this period may be renewed.8

17. AgreementsLeave: The deacon shall have the following periods of leave:‣ One calendar month vacation each year, or 4 weeks‣ Three month sabbatical of rest for refreshment and professional developmentoutside the present diaconal assignment every 6 – 7 years with the Bishop‘sapproval.Leave of Absence: A leave of absence from congregational ministry may be taken after aconversation with the Bishop and rector of the congregation. At that time the length of theleave will be determined, with appropriate check-in points.Reports: The deacon shall provide an annual written report to the Bishop every DecemberEmber Day. Retired deacons are not required to provide annual letters/reports. If problemsarise which affect the life of the congregation, and/or the ministry of priest or deacon, thedeacon shall discuss them first with the priest who is his/her supervisor and follow his/hercounsel and advice. In case of disagreement, the deacon, with the knowledge of the priest,shall inform the Bishop in writing, with a copy to the priest. The Bishop shall acceptresponsibility for resolution. The quality of the priest‘s supervision and the adequacy ofinter-personal communication shall be considered in working towards resolution.To the Supervising Priest: It is expected that the deacon, serving with your agreement,will be given responsibilities, liturgical and otherwise, appropriate to the order. The priestand appropriate members of the congregation will prepare an annual evaluation of thework of the deacon, and after reviewing and discussing it with him/her, send a copy to theBishop. The contents of the evaluation shall be considered when continuing educationdecisions are made.The Episcopal Diocese of Central New York is indebted to the Diocese of SouthwestFlorida, the Diocese of Western Michigan, and the Rev. Anne Reed of the Diocese ofWestern Michigan, who supplied the basis of this customary.9

APPENDIX ALetter of Agreement (SAMPLE)The Rev. ____________ and the Rt. Rev. Gladstone B. Adams III, Bishop of the Dioceseof Central New York, agree that the exercise of the diaconate by____________________________ shall be subject to the guidelines set forth in thisCustomary for the Diocese of Central New York and the terms set forth in this Letter ofAgreement:1. The Bishop assigns the Reverend_________________________, Deacon, to servein____________________Church,__________________________N.Y.,where he/she shall function as a part-time, non-stipendiary Deacon under thedirection of the Rev. ____________________ (hereafter referred to as Priest). Thisassignment is to be reviewed annually by the Priest and the Bishop, and a newagreement signed when necessary.2. Ministry Guidelinesa. All parties to this agreement understand that the deacon‘s secular employmenttakes precedent over community involvement and church activities.b. The deacon generally expects to serve the church a maximum of 10 hours perweek, with an overall goal of a maximum of 30 hours per month.c. The deacon shall receive financial assistance for the cost of ContinuingEducation, the annual Diocesan Convention, the annual Deacon‘s Conference,and travel required for fulfillment of diaconal responsibilities.d. The deacon shall have access to a Discretionary Fund established by the parishfor such purposes.3. The deacon shall serve in the world as follows:a. Encourage the Church‘s participation in all opportunities for ministry in theworld, locally, regionally, nationally and world wide.b. Make Christ and his redemptive love known, by word and example to thepeople of the world through:________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________4. The deacon’s ministry in this parish shall include the following:_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________10

5. Liturgical Responsibilities of the Deacona. Perform the full and proper liturgical role of a deacon at Eucharist on Sunday,Christmas, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil,and other congregational worship services as requested by the priest or theBishop.b. Assist at other liturgies such as baptisms, weddings, and funerals, and in theinter-parochial or diocesan liturgies when called upon to do so by the priest orthe Bishop.c. Compose and preach liturgical homilies to be scheduled in agreement with thepriest.6. Periods of LeaveThe deacon may take the following periods of leave:One calendar month vacation each year, or 4 weeks.a. Time as needed for development of diaconal ministry.b. Sick leave and personal days as required.c. Such other leave as is required to develop and maintain self-support outsidethe Church, with adequate notice.d. Three month sabbatical of rest, refreshment and professional development,outside the present diaconal assignment, every 6—7 years with the Bishop‘sapproval.7. SupervisionIf problems arise which affect the welfare and unity of the parish, the deacon shallconsult with the priest and shall follow his/her council and advice. In case of adisagreement, the deacon, with the knowledge of the priest, shall inform the Bishopin writing with copy to the priest. The Bishop shall accept the responsibility forresolution.8. Meetings with the BishopThe deacons and Bishop shall gather four times per year, which includes oneovernight retreat. Such meetings may include:a. The development of lay ministries in the world under the leadership of thedeaconb. Continuing Educationc. Updates on the deacon‘s ministryd. Prayer and reflection9. This agreement terminates:a. At the discretion of the Bishop, in conversation with the priest and thedeacon.b. When the supervising priest resigns from the parish. (A new agreement willbe created if the Bishop allows the deacon to remain during the transitionalperiod between priests.)c. After three (3) years and upon completion of the required ministry review.The agreement may be renewed after any necessary changes.11

d. If the deacon is reassigned to a new parish. A new agreement shall be inplace within ninety (90) days.e. At age 72, following the guidelines of the Customary for Deacons.10. In order for the deacon to function at this parish, signed consent of the priest isrequired.To be signed and dated by all of the following:___________________________________________________Deacon__________________Date___________________________________________________Bishop__________________DateOn behalf of ____________________________Church, _______________________N.Y.___________________________________________________Senior Warden_________________Date__________________________________________________Priest_________________DateRev. 8-1012