The Deacon Reader »

James Keating, PhD, editor of the Josephinum Journal of Theology, is associate professor of moral theology in the school of theology at the Pontifical College Josephinum, Columbus, OH.

The essays collected in this book, which is sure to be at the foundation of every deacon's library, aim to give the reader an overview of the theological and pastoral nature of the diaconate and thus to clarify the fundamental identity of the deacon, for those who are discerning such a call as aspirants and those who are already candidates for the office.

Editor and contributor James Keating divides the book into three sections: historical and theological foundations, pastoral foundations, and sociological foundations for the diaconate, i.e., the core elements of the diaconal identity. Some of the subjects covered are the history of the diaconate, the morality of the deacon, the deacon and work, and the deacon's wife.

The most significant deacon theologians contribute to this text as well as priest experts on the diaconate. It is a complete systematic academic text for the first years of formation of deacons according to the New Roman National Directory (2005). As such, it is indispensable.

This is the first text ever that specifies the theological formation of the deacon student over a range of themes and specialties. There is nothing like it in print.

Most Rev. , President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops - William F. Skylstad

"The Deacon Reader, a compendium of excellent articles on many aspects of diaconal ministry, is a timely and valuable resource for every deacon. The relatively brief experience of almost a half century of the diaconate now provides a rich opportunity for theological, pastoral and spiritual reflection on this remarkable restoration in the Catholic Church. The authors have captured well the powerful movement of the Holy Spirit in this awesome and exciting development of diaconal ministry."