The restoration of the ancient order of the diaconate on the eve of the Third Christian Millennium is no accident—deacons will play a vital role in the transformation of the Church and the world that will mark the “New Springtime” proclaimed by Pope John Paul II. Deacons should be encouraged in the role given them by Christ Himself—and strengthen themselves for that role by learning to abide in Christ, the Savior of the world.

For those who were called to ordination, we were chosen—even once again—by the “call” or “invitation” to orders! We made the choice for service. What a fresh light this understanding of God’s call—and our response in freedom—can shed on our reading of those wonderful words of Jesus, recorded in the Gospel of John: “You did not choose me, I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should abide’’ (John 15:16).

This passage follows His call to the disciples to “abide” in Him and to allow His word to “abide” in us. The Greek literally means, “to make a home.” We are called to “make our home” in Jesus and His Church. And He “makes His home” in us! Home is the place of most security. It matters little who or what may oppose or oppress you when you are at home. You can be at peace and secure because you are at home.

Well, my brothers, we are “at home” in the Lord and in His Church. And we are called into a world bound by a Culture of Death. We are called to confront that culture and to transform it with the Gospel of Life. Let us make the choice as deacons to boldly minister in the Church, and through the Church, to go into the entire world.

It is an honor to be a part of Deacons for Life and Family International.  I am convinced that this clerical association will play a vital role in the building of the “Civilization of Love” in the Third Christian Millennium. I also believe that we can play a significant role for the Church in building a model of clergy in the midst of a world that is so desperately in need of transformation.

Also, for many of us who are husbands and fathers, we are providing a model of married clergy! For some, because of that, we are perceived as a threat. But we are here to stay, because we have been chosen by the Lord, through His Church. The restored diaconate in the Western Church is not a “mistake.” It will not “go away.” Rather, it is a tremendous asset and one of the “signs of spring” for the next millennium. We must not allow ourselves, no matter how difficult our ministry may at times appear, to become discouraged. Rather, be encouraged! Let us continue to choose to follow Him as “Deacons for Life and Family”!

After my friend was ordained, he dedicated himself to the one whose “Fiat” opened the gates of heaven, our Lady, the “Theotokos.” When she said, “Fiat, let it be to me according to your Word” (Luke 1:38), we see the pattern for our own lives—Fiat, Magnificant, Theotokos.

This is the key to diaconal life and ministry.

Copyright © 2000 Deacon Keith A. Fournier

Keith A. Fournier, a graduate of the Pontifical Pope John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family, and the founder of the Common Good Foundation and the Liberty, Life and Family Institute, currently serves as executive editor for Catholic affairs for Christianity.com. A Catholic deacon, Fournier is also a constitutional lawyer and is the author of seven books, including A House United? Evangelicals and Catholics Together: A Winning Alliance For the 21st Century. A happily married man, Keith and his wife Laurine are the proud parents of five children.