Permanent Diaconate

Deacon Timothy E. Chriswell, Director
795 Main St.
Buffalo, NY 14203
(716) 847-5566

Permanent deacons are ordained ministers of the Church who, like bishops and priests, have received the Sacrament of Holy Orders. Deacons are called to Diakonia – to be servants of God to His people. Just as Jesus said, “I come not to be served, but to serve,” (Matthew 20:28) so, too, a deacon is called to this fundamental mission of the Church.

The ministry of a permanent deacon is a threefold:

  1. In the Ministry of the Word he participates as evangelizer and teacher.
  2. In the Ministry of the Liturgy he participates in the celebration of the Eucharist and may preside over other liturgies.
  3. In the Ministry of Charity he is the Church’s servant to the world around him, ministering to those in need and urging others to join him in outreach.

View more information about the ministry of permanent deacons.  Download brochure

Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about the ministry of permanent deacons.  Download FAQ’s

Visit Sons of St. Stephen for additional resources and information.