The Emerging Diaconate

THE EMERGING DIACONATE looks at the proliferation of the permanent deacons in the Latin Church especially since the Order was “renewed” to a permanent ecclesiastical rank in 1967. Deacon Ditewig focuses on the traditional view of the deacon as a kenotic “servant,” but balances this self-emptying view of the deacon with theosis, the Eastern Catholic belief based on St. Paul’s phrase that deacons “fill-up” in Christ just as they pour themselves out in service of His Church. Written in a popular, narrative style, THE EMERGING DIACONATE eschews the 40-year-old model for the Deacon of “Family first; Job second; Diaconate Third” and presents new paradigms for this burgeoning ministry. Highlights: • Blends history, theology, and insights from the social sciences to create a vision for the renewed contemporary diaconate • Provides unique research from the Second Vatican Council which offers a surprising look at how the Council envisioned the diaconate • Offers concrete suggestions for the future development of the diaconate, based on vision of the early pioneers of the renewed diaconate and in light of current ecclesial realities †