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Deacons

Active

Since the renewal and encouragement of the Order of Permanent Deaconate throughout the entire Church by Vatican II, the Diocese of Jefferson City has ordained 117 men. Ninteen men were ordained as the first class of Permanent Deacons for the diocese beginning on May 7, 1977. Of those nineteen men from the orginal ordination class, two remain in active service to this diocese and two serve in other dioceses. The most recent ordination was May 5, 2007, when eleven men were ordained.

Forty-five ordained men currently serve throughout the diocese in the role of deacon. In addition eight men ordained in this diocese are serving other dioceses and four men from other dioceses are serving within our diocese. Several of the ordained are in inactive or retired status but continue to serve the Church in various capacities.

Liturgy, Word, Charity

All of the Church are called to service. The service of the Ligurgy, Word and Charity by Deacons is sacramentalized service by the fact of their ordination into the Sacrament of Holy Orders.

"This is the very heart of the diaconate to which you have been called: to be a servant of the mysteries of Christ and, at one and the same time, to be a servant of your brothers and sisters." (Pope John Paul II, Address to the ? of the United States, September 19, 1987)

"...strengthened by sacramental grace, in communion with the Bishop and his presbyterate, they serve the People of God in the service of liturgy, the Word and charity." (Lumen Gentium, 29)

Prayer for Vocations

God and Father, raise up by your mighty love a stirring in the hearts of your people to hear a call to service, especially in the service of your Church. May we use Mary, Mother of Your Son, Jesus, as our model of answering our Individual call to service.

We pray especially for individuals chosen to work with You in a more direct way in the ministry of Your Church, especially those called to a vocation to the priesthood, diaconate or religious life.

Sustain, O Lord, our pope, Pope Benedict XVI, all bishops, priests, deacons, consecrated religious and all of the baptized who have answered a call to serve you by serving your people. Amen

Contact Information:

Office of the Diaconate
2207 West Main St, PO Box 104900
Jefferson City, MO 65110-4900

Tel: 573.635.9127, Ext. 223

Fax: 573.635.0386

Rev. Fred Elskamp, Vicar for the Diaconate
Sacred Heart Parish
Eldon, MO

Tel: 573.392.5334

Fax: 573.392.3293

Rev. Mr. Ray L. Purvis, Coordinator,
Deacon Formation

Tel: 573.635.9127, Ext. 223

Fax: 573.635.0386

Roberta Bexten
Secretary