Podcast Summary: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Episode: Day 215: Deacons and the Diaconate
Release Date: August 3, 2025
Duration: 15-20 minutes
Introduction
In Day 215 of Ascension's The Catechism in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the role and significance of deacons within the Catholic Church. Building upon previous discussions about the ordination of bishops and priests, today's episode focuses on understanding the diaconate, its historical roots, sacramental celebration, and the essential duties of deacons.
Gratitude and Community Support
Fr. Mike begins by expressing heartfelt gratitude to the listeners for their support through financial gifts and prayers. He emphasizes the communal aspect of the podcast, stating:
"I am praying for you every day. Every, literally every single day." [01:30]
This underscores the reciprocal relationship between Fr. Mike and his audience, fostering a sense of spiritual camaraderie.
Understanding the Diaconate
Fr. Mike introduces the diaconate as the third tier of Holy Orders, following bishops and priests. He highlights the unique role of deacons as servants within the Church:
"The heart of the deacon is the heart of a servant." [04:15]
He explains that deacons are ordained not to the priesthood but to a ministry of service, tracing this role back to the Acts of the Apostles. The term "diakonia" embodies this ministry of service, emphasizing generosity and selflessness.
Sacramental Celebration of Holy Orders
The episode details the sacramental celebration of Holy Orders, highlighting the importance of community involvement:
"The ordination of a bishop, a priest, or a deacon is a massively important celebration for the entire diocese." [12:45]
Key points include:
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Timing and Location: Preferably on Sundays in cathedrals to maximize participation, though adaptations may be necessary based on diocesan needs.
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Essential Rite: The bishop’s imposition of hands and a consecratory prayer are central to the sacrament, invoking the Holy Spirit's guidance and gifts specific to each ministry.
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Liturgical Rites: Vary across traditions but commonly include rites that symbolize sacramental grace, such as anointing with Holy Chrism and the presentation of liturgical items (e.g., Gospels, rings, mitres).
Fr. Mike emphasizes that only a bishop in apostolic succession can validly confer Holy Orders, maintaining the continuity of Christ’s mission through the Church's hierarchy.
Roles and Responsibilities of Deacons
Fr. Mike outlines the multifaceted duties of deacons, referencing paragraphs 1570-1576 of the Catechism:
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Assisting in the Divine Mysteries: Primarily during the Eucharist, including the distribution of Holy Communion.
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Marital Blessings: Deacons often witness and bless marriages.
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Proclamation of the Gospel and Preaching: Deacons play a pivotal role in preaching the Gospel, a responsibility Fr. Mike personally feels ambivalent about but acknowledges as integral to their role.
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Funerals: Presiding over and attending funerals, offering spiritual support during times of loss.
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Charitable Ministries: Engaging in various acts of charity, reflecting the ministry's roots in service as established in the Acts of the Apostles.
He reminisces on the historical establishment of the diaconate, drawn from the apostles' recognition of the need for dedicated service:
"When the apostles... were so busy trying to take care of everyone, they said it's not good for us to abandon the ministry of the Word to wait on tables." [18:20]
The Permanent Diaconate
Fr. Mike discusses the Restoration of the Permanent Diaconate post-Vatican II, contrasting it with the Eastern Churches where the diaconate has always been a permanent and integral part of the hierarchy. He views the reinstatement as a significant enrichment for the Church's mission, allowing married men to serve as deacons and thus broadening the Church's capacity for service and ministry.
Community Involvement and Practical Considerations
Acknowledging the logistical challenges faced by dioceses, especially large ones, Fr. Mike shares a personal example of scheduling ordinations on Fridays to accommodate widespread parishes:
"We typically have our ordinations on a Friday because many of the faithful as well as all the priests can make it on a Friday." [24:10]
This adaptation ensures greater participation and inclusivity within diverse and expansive diocesan communities.
Essential Elements of the Sacrament
Fr. Mike reiterates the core components of the Sacrament of Holy Orders:
- Imposition of Hands: Symbolizing the transmission of spiritual authority and responsibility.
- Consecratory Prayer: A plea for the Holy Spirit’s guidance and the specific gifts necessary for each level of ministry.
He emphasizes the sanctity and irrevocability of the sacramental imprint received during ordination, aligning deacons with Christ’s mission.
Prayer and Reflection
Concluding the episode, Fr. Mike encourages listeners to pray for current and future deacons, bishops, and priests. He highlights the importance of communal prayer in supporting the Church’s leadership and the individuals called to serve:
"Let's pray for those men that God is calling to be bishops, that pray for those men God is calling to be priests... and pray for those men God is calling to be deacons." [28:40]
He invites listeners to continue engaging with the podcast to deepen their understanding of the Church’s sacramental life and their role within it.
Conclusion
Fr. Mike Schmitz’s Day 215 episode offers an insightful exploration into the diaconate, emphasizing its foundational role in the Catholic Church’s hierarchy and mission. Through theological explanation, historical context, and personal reflection, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of deacons' vital contributions to liturgical life, pastoral care, and charitable endeavors. The episode not only educates but also fosters a deep appreciation for the sacrament of Holy Orders and the men dedicated to lives of service within the Church.
Notable Quotes:
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Gratitude and Prayer:
"I am praying for you every day. Every, literally every single day." [01:30] -
Heart of a Deacon:
"The heart of the deacon is the heart of a servant." [04:15] -
Importance of Sacramental Celebration:
"The ordination of a bishop, a priest, or a deacon is a massively important celebration for the entire diocese." [12:45] -
Historical Foundation of Diakonia:
"When the apostles... were so busy trying to take care of everyone, they said it's not good for us to abandon the ministry of the Word to wait on tables." [18:20] -
Community Adaptation:
"We typically have our ordinations on a Friday because many of the faithful as well as all the priests can make it on a Friday." [24:10] -
Call to Prayer:
"Let's pray for those men that God is calling to be bishops, that pray for those men God is calling to be priests... and pray for those men God is calling to be deacons." [28:40]
Final Thoughts
This episode serves as a testament to the enduring tradition and evolving practices of the Catholic Church's hierarchy. Fr. Mike Schmitz effectively bridges doctrinal teachings with practical applications, inviting listeners to not only understand but also actively support and pray for the ordained ministries that sustain and enrich the Church's mission in the modern world.