Theory and Practice of the Diaconate

The Theory and Practice of the Diaconate will be offered on January 12, 2008 from 9AM – 5PM at the Diocesan conference room and the Chapel of the Holy Innocents. This course has a new syllabus and deals with different material than the class has in the past. Previously, Bishop Schofield taught the class and offered similar instruction during the ordinands' pre-ordination retreat. In order to provide wider exploration of diaconal ministry, SJSM is introducing a revised course. Bishop Schofield will still be offering his pre-ordination retreat, so that the diaconal students will have the advantage of both courses.

This course will be taught by Fr Van McCalister, Archdeacon Tom Magitti and Deacon Madeline Burton

Required texts
"Deacons and the Church" by John N Collins (Morehouse)
"Many Servants - An Introduction to Deacons" by Ormonde Plater (Crowley)
"Deacons in the Liturgy" by Ormonde Plater

Reading Assignments (prior to class)
Acts chs 6, 7 & 8
Acts 21.8
Philippians 1.1
1 Timothy
Titus
James 1:27
1 Peter 1:1 – 2:12
“Deacons and the Servant Myth” by Anthony Gooley (article posted on DioNet SJSM Conference)
"Holy Orders" - two articles from "The Apostles Doctrine and Fellowship" (posted on DioNet)
Lesser Feasts & Fasts – Vincent [1-22], Alcuin [5-22], Ephrem [6-18], Laurence [8-10], Francis [10-4], Stephen [12-26] (posted on DioNet)
BCP 396-399; 406-409; 537-555
Bishop’s Customary on Deacons (posted on DioNet)
"Deacons and the Church" by John N Collins
"Deacons in the Liturgy" by Ormonde Plater

Written Assignments (to be turned in on class date)
(1) Prepare three (or more) questions regarding diaconal ministry to be asked of deacons, in class.
(2) Write a two-page paper on the six deacons listed above. Compare and contrast their ministries. Which of these deacons most inspires you and why? Be prepared to present in class.