Diaconate Office
Director of the Permanent Diaconate
Father Daniel J. Merz, SLD
573-897-2293
Director of Ministry & Life of Permanent Deacons
Deacon Mike W. Berendzen
573-635-9127, ext. 223
Director of Deacon Formation
Deacon John Schwartze
573-635-9127, ext. 225
Alphonse J. Schwartze
Memorial Catholic Center
2207 West Main Street
Jefferson City, MO 65109-4900
Vespers and Rite of Admission to Candidacy for the Permanent Diaconate
Please join us for the livestream of Vespers and Rite of Admission to Candidacy for the Permanent Diaconate by using the video player below.
The Order of the Diaconate
Since the renewal and encouragement of the Order of Permanent Diaconate throughout the entire Church by Vatican II, the Diocese of Jefferson City has ordained 150 men. Today, 84 ordained men serve throughout the diocese in the role of deacon. Included in that number are several men from other dioceses. In addition to the deacons active in the diocese, six men ordained for the Diocese of Jefferson City are serving in other dioceses. Several additional ordained deacons are in inactive or retired status but continue to serve the Church in various capacities.
The first class of 19 permanent deacons was ordained on May 7, 1977. The most recent ordination was October 13, 2019, when five men were ordained for service to the Diocese.
