Diocese of Lincoln outlines nine facts about the Catholic diaconate
The Diocese of Lincoln released on May 1 a list titled “9 Things to Know About: The Diaconate,” providing historical and contemporary information about the role of deacons in the Catholic Church.
The announcement highlights the importance of understanding the diaconate, which is one of three ranks within Holy Orders. The diaconate continues to play a significant part in church life and ministry, serving both liturgical and administrative functions.
According to the release, the first deacons were ordained by the Apostles shortly after Pentecost. Their primary responsibilities included managing food and money distribution. Today, deacons assist at Mass, perform baptisms, witness marriages, serve as administrators or teachers, and have specific duties such as reading the Gospel at Mass.
Several saints are noted for having held this office. St. Francis of Assisi served as a deacon out of humility; St. Lawrence was martyred for refusing to surrender church wealth; St. Stephen became Christianity’s first martyr while serving as a deacon.
Historically, subdeacons also assisted in Latin Masses before reforms introduced by the Novus Ordo liturgy. Archdeacons once held considerable authority but now mainly have honorary roles connected with diocesan administration.
The Diocese notes that while women historically served as deaconesses handling charitable works—especially tasks involving other women—they were not ordained since Holy Orders are reserved for men in Catholic teaching.
Ordination to the diaconate involves a specific prayer invoking strength from God through sevenfold grace for ministry work. Most current deacons in Lincoln are transitional—preparing for priesthood—but some remain permanent deacons throughout their service lives; Rev. Mr. Matthew Hecker and Rev. Mr. Patrick Burke are named among them.
The Diocese operates across southern Nebraska according to its official website, comprising 134 parishes and six educational institutions according to its official website. It offers support for vocations, family life programs, youth initiatives, catechesis efforts, evangelization activities and charitable services according to its official website.
As reported by its official website, the Diocese promotes adherence to Catholic traditions while nurturing followers who actively practice their faith.
