It is fully apparent that many necessary and sacred services were committed to the order
of deacons, which is distinct from other orders and the next to priesthood. They are the
eyes of the bishops and special ministers of the Church whose works, whether in the
celebration of sacred mysteries or in the administration of the Church should always be
present…When the bishop directs, deacons may baptize and preach, and to reconcile,
without solemnity, public penitents to the Church in the case of necessity and in the
absence of the bishop or priests. They should seek out and diligently care for whatever
pertains to the corporal needs of widows, students, orphans, the imprisoned, the sick and
all the afflicted and provide for the spiritual help of the faithful. They have loving
concern for all the faithful in works of mercy, especially for those in whom they observe
a greater need for such charity. 37
The diaconate as detailed in this statement resembles the diaconate of the early Church, the
Church of Ignatius and Polycarp. Deacons are to be valued members of orders. Contributing to
the Church as diakonia, the diakonia of Christ. Unfortunately, the restoration of a permanent
diaconate would not be promulgated by the council. The diaconate would remain a step to the
priesthood, not a permanent office of itself. The council would however enumerate the functions
of a deacon. The deacon was to administer to the faithful in need, assist the priest, assist at altar,
proclaim the Gospel, and exhort the faithful. With the permission of the bishop they may preach,
baptize and in great need, reconcile penitents in the absence of a priest or bishop. The
discussions and work of the council would greatly influence the Church in its view of the
diaconate, and eventually impact the discussion and restoration of the permanent diaconate at
Vatican II.
Certainly, the influence of the Council of Trent is evidenced in the Church and referenced
in the discussions, documents of Vatican II and later documents, but what does the Council of
Trent tell us about the permanent diaconate? Most advocates would point to the twenty-third
session of the Council. During the twenty-third session the council discusses the sacrament of
Orders, the hierarchy of the Church, and reformation. The Council affirmed the sacramentality of
Holy Orders.
37
Ditewig. Emerging Diaconate, 86-87.
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