Resources: Policies, Manuals, Links
With Change Pages thru September 2010. Revised & approved by Bishop Olmsted Sept 2010
This Directory applies to all deacons (and deacon candidates) actively engaged in ministry in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix. Regarding policies and procedures governing formation of deacon candidates see the National Directory for the Formation, Ministry, and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States (2004). For information relating to liturgical procedures within the Diocese of Phoenix, refer to its Liturgical Manual for Deacons.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix is committed to fulfilling the Great Commission by helping the faithful encounter the living Christ through conversion, communion, and solidarity. Christ’s command still resounds today—“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Mt. 28:19–20). As clergy, we share in Christ’s Great Commission in a privileged and profound way, bringing the grace of Christ to the faithful through our service and sacramental ministry.
As witnesses to and disciples of the Lord Jesus, we are called to the highest standards of ethical conduct, not only abiding by canonical norms, but aspiring to the height of virtue. The Clergy Code of Ethics provides guidelines that free us to serve the Lord and live out our vocation.
2014 REVISION
This liturgical guide for deacons was developed to be a practical tool for the preparation of deacon candidates and for the on-going formation of those already ordained to the diaconate. It is a teaching resource for candidates and deacons. It is also intended to be a reference for pastors who have deacons assigned to the parish and especially for priest celebrants who have deacons assisting them at Mass. The aspiration is this document will help unfold the beauty of the sacred liturgy, promote understanding, prayerfulness, reverence, and unity in the liturgical service of deacons.
You may feel free to download and reproduce these materials in any form which you find meets the needs of your diocese or parish, provided that the materials are not sold in any form. If you reproduce any of the materials as they are, you include the citation: 2002, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. If you have altered the materials, please include the citation: Based upon Roman Missal Formational Materials provided by the Secretariat for the Liturgy of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2002.
This National Directory for the Formation, Ministry, and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States is intended to serve the entire Catholic Church in the United States. Its principles, norms, and pastoral applications are directed specifically to the Latin Rite. Nonetheless, it may be of assistance as a consistent reference for all Churches sui iuris in the United States in the preparation of the adaptations necessary to address the particular traditions, pastoral life, and requirements of the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches.