Baptising Babies and Clearing Gutters: A Fresh Appraisal of the Permanent Diaconate

As the Church marks the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council, it is an opportune time to take stock of the deacon's ministry. This book explores the theological impact of the restoration of the deacon's ministry as a permanent Holy Order - heralded in 1964 in the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church - in a way which is readily understood by the "nonspecialist". It offers questions for personal reflection and group discussions in parishes. This interactive element will be helpful for those discerning whether they might have a call to the permanent diaconate, and also for parish groups supporting aspirant deacons in formation. It addresses the current dearth of adult formation resources on the deacon's ministry and plots a trajectory for the way ahead. -- Publisher's descriptio