What is the ministry of a deacon?

The ministry of a deacon is to represent Christ and his Church, particularly as a servant of those in need; and to assist bishops and priests in the proclamation of the Gospel and the administration of the sacraments. [from An Outline of the Faith, Book of Common Prayer  page 856]

The ministry of the diakonia (diakonos(Greek), meaning servant) is to represent the church in the world through serving those in need and sharing the Good News of God's saving work in Jesus Christ. It is generally believed that the office of deacon originated in the selection of seven men to assist with the charitable work of the early church as recorded in the Book of Acts.

Contacts: 

The Venerable Elaine Bellis, Archdeacon - 312.751-3570

The Rev. Elizabeth Meade, Deacon - Vice-Chair Deacons' Council - 630.262-8541

The Rev. Sue Nebel, Deacon - Deacons' School Administrator - 847.227-7090

Sarah Lenaeus- Administrator, Commission on Ordained Ministry - 312.751-3578

DEACONS' COUNCIL

DEACONS NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

DEACONS' ASSIGNMENTS

DEACONS' SCHOOL HANDBOOK

BROCHURE ON THE DIACONATE

CUSTOMARY FOR DEACONS

HISTORY OF THE DIACONATE IN CHICAGO

The Diocese of Chicago was one of the very first dioceses to play a leadership role in the recovery of the modern diaconate. It is regarded as one of the model programs throughout the United States, with over 50 canonically resident or licensed deacons in the Diocese Chicago.

The first class of deacons was ordained in 1974 by Bishop Gerald Burrill. The diaconate was restored to its present full and equal status in many dioceses after the Second Vatican Council and the Lambeth Conference of 1968. Here in Chicago the need was seen for the order of deacons to be recognized and utilized as a valuable resource to further the Kingdom of God and to serve in ongoing ministries or new ministries in which servant leaders were needed.

In 1975 Bishop Montgomery suspended the process of training and ordination of vocational deacons in order to evaluate and study the diaconal ministries in the diocese and elsewhere. In 1984 in response to requests and general interest by many congregations, he decided to start up the program again. The Rev. Miller Cragon, the Canon for Education and Formation, was asked to organize a school of training for the diaconate. A two year course was planned and twenty-two postulants started the training in 1986. In December 1987, they were ordained by Bishop Frank Griswold.

Two more training classes were held, ordaining deacons in 1989 and 1991. In 1990, the Rev. Faith Perrizo became Director of the Deacons' School for Ministry and Formation. In 1992 a task force of priests and deacons worked with the Rev. Perrizo to organize a three year course of training for a more comprehensive education and formation process. The Deacons' School was then reorganized on an integrated schedule, that is, postulants could enter in January of each year and a class would be ordained every year. In 1995, Deacon Barb Bishop became the school's administrator with Deacon Ruth Blair as the assistant administrator and the Rev. Kent Tarpley as the school's chaplain.

The Bishop's Advisory Council on the Diaconate, also called the Deacons' Council, is appointed to serve on a three year rotating basis. The archdeacon and the Deacons' School administrator are ex-officio members. The Council plans the activities for deacons and oversees the Deacons' School, as well as being a support group for the ministries and well-being of the deacons.

In 2001 Bishop William Persell appointed Deacon Elaine Bellis as the Archdeacon of the Diocese of Chicago. Archdeacon Bellis is responsible for overseeing the work of the deacons and for their pastoral care and support. She is a spokesperson and advocate for the deacons and is a valuable connection to the national diaconate of the Episcopal Church and ecumenically to the diaconate of other denominations as well.

Our deacons are engaged in a variety of ministries in their parishes and in the world outside the parish. They truly bring the church to the world and the world to the church. Among the many different ministries are directors and volunteers in food pantries, soup kitchens, PADS programs, providers of pastoral care to parishioners and to those in hospitals and nursing homes, legal advocates for the poor and homeless, full-time workers in retirement homes and colleges, directors of formation in congregations, spiritual directors, directors of Stephen Ministries, mentors in the Education for Ministry program and catechists in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program. Our Deacons' School for Ministry and Formation is designed and administered by deacons.