Become a Deacon Chaplain

Graham Swan gives the body of Christ to his wife

Gavin and the Archbishop Christopher Prowse

blessing of new 19th guidon with CHAP Garth Mayger and Mons Glen Murphy

CHAP Graham Swan on the ropes for pulling up the anchors on RAN ships

morning service at Duntroon with the ADF candidates - Canberra in the background

'The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.' (Mt 20:28)

Becoming a Deacon

Deacons are ordained on a permanent basis to assist in the liturgical and pastoral work of the Church. Deacons may be married or single, have the full support of their spouse and family. Historically, the deacon served as the eyes and ears of the bishop and in practical ways as the heart and hands. The vocation of deacon is well suited to military chaplaincy given a primary emphasis on pastoral care.

The majority of the Diocese’s Permanent Deacons have been long serving Defence members who have discerned a vocation to ordained ministry.

For current male members of Defence or lay men in civilian life who have discerned a vocation to ordained Defence ministry in the permanent Deaconate, speak to your local Catholic Chaplain or contact the Military Diocese Vocations Director, Fr Damian Styles: damian.styles@defence.gov.au.

If a current Defence member is suitable and is endorsed by the ADF, then the member can be given several years to prepare for ordination, both academically and pastorally, in a five-year program outside Defence.

For permanent Deacons already in ministry in the church who are considering either full-time or part-time (reserve) ministry in the Military Diocese, please contact Monsignor Peter O’Keefe at the Chancery: peter.okeefe@cmoa.org.au Phone: 0428 888 302

Chaplain Kevin O'Sullivan and Fr Richard Thompson over at Gallipoli

Characteristics of the Ordained Ministry of a Deacon:

Characteristics of the Ordained Ministry of the Deacon
The deacon has a threefold ministry of the Word, of the Sacraments and of pastoral charity,
The contemporary diaconate in the Church is rooted in a call to service,
The presence of the married permanent deacon is a powerful witness to marriage and family life bringing a wealth of lived family experience into the community he serves,
To assume the function of deacon, particularly at the celebration of the Eucharist as assigned to him, proclaiming the Word of God and often offering the homily,
To administer baptism to both adults and children,
To assist at and bless marriages in the name of the of the Church,
To officiate at funerals and burial service,
To preside at worship and prayers of the people in the absence of the priest,
To guide liturgically, spiritually and pastorally the community he serves in the name of the bishop and collaboration with the priest, and
To carry our works of pastoral charity and practical social support bringing the sacred into the lives of those they serve through their people skills broad personal experience.

Functions of a Deacon Military Chaplain

Many of the functions of a Defence Catholic Chaplain, whether priest, deacon or pastoral associate are common to all three.

Exercise a liturgical ministry in Chapels, in the field, on ships and whilst on deployment,
Preside over the sacraments of Baptism and Marriage as sought,
Provide spiritual and pastoral care within designated military nit and wherever required,
Conduct remembrance and memorial services, prayers and blessings spiritual, mental health and emotional care to those they serve,
Be an active member of a command support team advising commanders on various personnel and welfare issues, morale, spirituality and pastoral care; and
Work within a multidisciplinary team at your location,
Provide character formation – values and ethics,
Be an active collaborator within their multi -faith chaplaincy team,
Advocate for and provide spiritual, mental health and emotional care for those they serve; and
Work within a multi-disciplinary (medical, psychological and welfare) team at your location.