Deacons

In the Catholic Church, the diaconate is the first of three ranks in ordained ministry. Deacons preparing for the priesthood are transitional deacons. Those not planning to be ordained priests are called permanent deacons. Married men may be ordained permanent deacons, but only unmarried men committed to lifelong celibacy can be ordained deacons if they are planning to become priests.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Secretariat of Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations supports the activities of the bishops' Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life, and Vocations in the restoration of the Diaconate and the development of diaconal ministry. It also assists and coordinates the development of diaconal formation programs on the diocesan and national levels. The secretariat assists the General Secretary of the USCCB in responding to all matters concerning the ministry of deacons in the Church in the United States. It provides services and liaison support to national organizations and directors of diocesan diaconate offices.

Diaconate Diocesan Offices

Diocese of AUSTIN

Deacon Michael P. Forbes
Vice Chancellor and the Director of Diaconal Ministr
512-949-2475
michael-forbes@austindiocese.org

Deacon Rob Embry
Associate Director of Formation
512-949-2411
rob-embry@austindiocese.org

DIACONAL FORMATION