Study gives snapshot of deacons in the United States

There are as many as 20,888 permanent deacons in the United States, according to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ annual survey that provides a portrait of the permanent diaconate in the U.S.

The report, published in June, was conducted for the USCCB by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate at Georgetown University, gathering data from 138 Latin rite arch/dioceses and three Eastern rite eparchies.

In the Catholic Church, permanent deacons “are entrusted with the unique responsibility of bringing Christ to every corner of society,” said Bishop James F. Checchio of Metuchen, N.J., chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations in a June 2 statement. Deacons carry out their ministry “in imitation of Christ the servant and impelled by the spirit of charity,” he added.

Deacons, along with priests and bishops, are ordained members of the clergy. The ministry of a deacon includes liturgy, word and service. At the Mass, the deacon proclaims the Gospel and assists at the altar, and may preach the homily.

The deacon also may baptize, witness and bless marriages, preside at the Liturgy of the Hours, and preside at funeral liturgies.

According to the study, more than 90 percent of active permanent deacons are married and at least 50 years old. Seven in 10 are non-Hispanic whites and have at least a college degree. One in five active permanent deacons are Hispanic or Latino.

Nine in 10 responding arch/dioceses have a minimum age of acceptance, on average 33 years old, into permanent diaconate. Three in five have a mandatory age for permanent deacon’s retirement (which, on average, is 75 years old).

On average, responding arch/dioceses and arch/eparchies reported 84 deacons in active ministry. Half of responding arch/dioceses and arch/eparchies reported 66 or fewer deacons in active ministry. Three in four deacons in responding arch/dioceses are active in ministry, and the remaining quarter are inactive for a variety of reasons.

“By virtue of their ordination, deacons witness to Christ in the workplace, within their families and among the members of their community, especially the poor,” Bishop Checchio said. “The Church is grateful to all permanent deacons who extend Christ’s mercy and healing to all those in need.”

The full study can be found at https://bit.ly/3mhEyqP.