For 50 years, the permanent diaconate in the Diocese of Camden has been a powerful expression of Christ’s call to serve. As we celebrate this golden anniversary, we give thanks for the men who have answered God’s call, the wives and families who have supported them, the bishops and priests we have served with, and the countless lives touched through their ministry. This milestone honors our past while inviting a new generation to consider this beautiful vocation.
Rooted in the example of Jesus Christ, who came “not to be served but to serve” (Matthew 20:28), the permanent diaconate is a vocation of service, humility and love. Deacons are called to make Christ’s presence visible through service to the Word of God, the sacred liturgy and works of charity.
In the Diocese of Camden, deacons proclaim the Gospel, preach at Mass, assist at the altar, baptize, witness marriages, and bring the Church’s prayer and compassion to those who are sick, grieving, imprisoned or struggling with life’s challenges. Many serve in hospitals, nursing homes, prisons, schools, charitable organizations and parish ministries. Others accompany families through moments of profound joy and sorrow, offering a listening ear, a reassuring presence and the hope of Christ.
The joys of the diaconate are found in these encounters: when a child is welcomed into the Church through baptism, when a couple begins married life, when the grieving find comfort in the Resurrection, and when someone who feels forgotten discovers that the Church has not forgotten them. These moments remind deacons that they are not simply performing tasks; they are participating in Christ’s mission of bringing God’s love to the world.
Our theme from this year’s deacon convocation, “Bridges of Service,” captures the heart of this vocation. Deacons connect the needs of people with the love and resources of the Catholic community. Present in workplaces, neighborhoods, families and parishes, they bring the concerns of everyday life into the Church while carrying the Gospel beyond parish walls.
Permanent deacons are often husbands, fathers, grandfathers and professionals who understand the realities and challenges people face. Their experiences in family life and the workplace can enrich their ministry, helping them accompany others with compassion, understanding and practical wisdom. Their wives and families, too, often share in the sacrifices and blessings of this vocation.
The diaconate is more than a volunteer commitment: It is a call from God to ordained ministry that requires prayerful discernment, spiritual formation, and a willingness to place one’s gifts at the service of others. It challenges men to grow in holiness, deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ and become more attentive to those around them.
As we celebrate this anniversary, we invite Catholic men to ask themselves, “Could God be calling me to serve Him and His Church as a permanent deacon?”
You do not need to have all the answers. Begin by praying, speaking with your pastor, discussing the possibility with your family, and learning more about the formation process by calling the Office of the Permanent Diaconate at 856-583-2858 or email us at camdendeacon@camdendiocese.org.
We give thanks for the men who answered God’s call before us, celebrate the deacons who serve faithfully today, and look with hope toward those called to serve in the years ahead. For half a century, our deacons have been Bridges of Service – bridges between the altar and the world, between the Church and those in need, and between the love of Christ and people longing to experience it.
Fifty years ago, a chapter of service began in the Diocese of Camden. Today, we celebrate that legacy and invite the next generation to help write its future. May the Holy Spirit continue to call faithful men to the Permanent Diaconate, building bridges of faith, hope, and charity for generations to come.
Deacon David Harkins is the director of the Permanent Diaconate for the Diocese of Camden. He is assigned to Holy Child Parish, Runnemede.
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