"The Role of Deacons: Then and Now."

Source: Article by Tim Drake. "This Rock," October, 2005.

This is a well - researched article written by someone who has done his homework: Marine style, "boots on the ground."

For example he lists for us what Catholic deacons can and can't do.

CAN:

Preach, teach, Bring Communion to others, Assist at Mass, Witness marriages, Baptize, Officiate at wake and funeral services, Lead prayer, Wear clerics.

CAN'T:

Consecrate, Forgive sins, Ordain, Anoint the sick, Confirm, Run for political office, Be younger than thirty - five.

"But, are there problems with the American Catholic Church in at some Deacon Formation Programs?"

He assures us there is, and gives us an example, or two:

"Rich Scanlon is currently applying for the diaconate in the midwest and discerning whether the calling is for him.

"He attended a recent information night for men interested in the diaconate.

"At that meeting, organizers handed out the book Called, Formed, Sent by Fr. Richard Rohr and Thomas Welch, director of the National Association of Diaconate Directors."

Scanlan's verdict on Called, Formed, Sent kicks butt!

I found the book extremely deficient theologically, said Scanlon, who holds a master's degree in theology.

It's contrary to the teachings of the Church.

It denies absolute truth, promotes moral relativism, advances proportionalism, and makes fun of papal authroity.

This is the book being handed out to men interested in the diaconate?"

Organic chicken farmer Deacon Mike Medley "concurs."

There was a lot of rubbish that you had to wade through, said Medley of his own formation five years ago.

The [American Catholic] teachers taught that Moses didn't really part the Red Sea and that Christ didn't really multiply the loaves and fishes."

For yours truly, at least, a good read !!