Diaconate Office Contacts
Director of the Permanent Diaconate
Father Daniel J. Merz, SLD
573.897.2293
Coordinator of Deacon Life & Ministry
Deacon Ray Purvis
573.635.9127, ext. 223
Director of Deacon Formation
Deacon John Schwartze
573.635.9127, ext. 225
2207 West Main St | PO Box 104900
Jefferson City, MO 65110-4900
Diaconate Office
Director of the Permanent Diaconate
Father Daniel J. Merz, SLD
573.897.2293
Coordinator of Deacon Life & Ministry
Deacon Ray Purvis
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 65110-4900
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, 93 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, five 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 April 30, 2016, when eight men were ordained for service to the Diocese.
Deacon Day of Training, August 1, 2020
Fireside Chats about the Diaconate
Bishop Shawn McKnight explains the theological foundation of the diaconate in this fireside chat on Aug. 24, 2018.
Diaconate Ordination May 4, 2019
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 Francis, all bishops, priests, deacons, consecrated religious and all of the baptized who have answered a call to serve you by serving your people. Amen