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.

PRAXIS

Fr Rob Eaton submitted the "winning" name for the San Joaquin Schools for Ministry newsletter. His explanation follows:

How about the word "PRAXIS"?

That would be the Greek word used for the book we call Acts (of the Apostles), which we hope graduates will follow, and it is from Acts (Praxis) that we have derived one of the "baptismal vows", from Acts 2.

An excellent description (granted with an Eastern Orthodox perspective) can be found here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Praxis_(Orthodox)

A quote that uses the word itself and also refers specifically to ministry office would be Romans 12.4, and although an incomplete thought in the verse alone, the larger context shows that all Christians, both lay and ordained have a "function". So also SJSM is not limited to those on the ordination track. Acts 19:18 uses the word, too, but in this context shows that not all "practices" are good ones, thus the need for Christian education, training, and formation. The word is found in Colossians 3:10, which refers to the transformative nature of Christ which requires "true knowledge"; praxis is used to refer to the practices that differentiate the old man from the new man.

Thank you Fr Rob!

MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY IN FRESNO

MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY IN FRESNO: Fr. Sam Vongsanit has an urgent need for someone to teach and encourage his young teens through post high school members at St. Martin of Tours in Fresno. These second generation Lao-Americans want to be taught in English, and thirst for basic knowledge of the Bible, the Christian faith, and the Church. Fr. Sam envisions that while he is ministering to his adult members on Sunday mornings, one or more others might join him by ministering to his teens and young adults for approx 2 hrs with Bible Study, prayer and some worship. He has more requests from this age group than he has time to respond. You can help change lives for Christ! Please contact Fr. Sam as soon as possible at 559-439-5011. Cell: 559-824-0903 or: vongsanit@juno.com