Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

As an anticipated 50,000 Catholics gather in Indianapolis from July 17-21 for the 10th National Eucharistic Congress, permanent deacons will be among them. Pope Francis has described these men as “the guardians of service.” Given their essential role in the church, the congress will provide deacons with dedicated sessions to deepen their understanding of the Eucharistic dimension of their ministry.

On July 18, Deacon Dominic Cerrato will present “The Eucharist as the Source of Our Life and Ministry: The Paschal Mystery and Origins of the Diaconate.” Deacon Cerrato is the director of the Office of the Diaconate in the Diocese of Joliet, Illinois, and editor of The Deacon magazine. He explained to OSV News that he plans to discuss how "the origins of the diaconate emerge out of the Paschal Mystery that is the passion, death, resurrection and ascension of Our Lord."

Deacon Cerrato highlighted two commands from Jesus at the Last Supper: “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me” (Lk 22:19) and “For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you” (Jn 13:15). He elaborated that "you have out of the Paschal Mystery the institution of the Eucharist, but also the priesthood and the diaconate at the same time."

He emphasized that "the Eucharist must be ‘the source’" for deacons because Christ's servant role is central to their vocation. According to him, service is most fully realized through sacrifice — symbolized by the cross.

The Second Vatican Council reestablished the permanent diaconate between 1962-1965. In 1968, U.S. bishops received approval to introduce it in America. Deacon Cerrato noted that although a theology of diaconate is still developing due to its relatively recent restoration, its foundational spirituality is clear.

“The deacon’s primary responsibility — above everything else — is to incarnate Christ the Servant,” said Deacon Cerrato.

On July 19, Deacon James Keating will speak on “The Eucharist as The Source Of Our Life And Ministry: The Deacon As Man Of Prayer And Interiority.” A professor at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis and member of The Academy Of Catholic Theology, he plans to focus on contemplative prayer's importance for deacons.

Deacon Keating pointed out that "in many formation programs," prayer life was not central but this has been changing over recent years. He stressed that continuous spiritual development is crucial for those called to this vocation.

“Early on...formators wanted to assure...that men chosen were active members...committed...to some lay fraternity or engaged in charitable works,” he said. However, modern formation reflects a deeper need for spiritual maturity beyond natural gifts or leadership skills.

“It takes real courage and stamina,” he added about maintaining a lifelong commitment to prayer.

The final session on July 20 will feature Deacons Omar Gutiérrez and Joseph Michalak discussing “The Deacon As Mystic, Servant In Liturgy And Eucharistic Bridge.”

Deacon Michalak has served over two decades directing diaconate formation for St. Paul’s Archdiocese before teaching at St. Paul Seminary. He reflected on public perceptions versus deeper mystical aspects saying people often ask what practical roles deacons fulfill during liturgy but miss deeper symbolic meanings.

He draws inspiration from scriptural figures like Simon Cyrene helping Jesus carry his cross or Mary & John accompanying Christ till his death reflecting both physical/spiritual dimensions respectively while Eastern Church iconography also offers valuable insights portraying a deacon holding symbols representing worship/charity emphasizing bridging God’s worship with people’s service needs.