A Customary for the Sacred Order of Deacons The Episcopal

A Customary for

the Sacred Order of Deacons

The Episcopal Diocese

Central Florida

“My brother or sister, every Christian is called to follow

Jesus Christ, serving God the Father, through the power

of the Holy Spirit. God now calls you to a special

ministry of servanthood directly under your bishop. In

the name of Jesus Christ, you are to serve all people,

particularly the poor, the weak, the sick, and the lonely.

As a deacon in the Church, you are to study the Holy

Scriptures, to seek nourishment from them, and to model

your life upon them. You are to make Christ and his

redemptive love known, by your word and example, to

those among whom you live, and work, and worship. You

are to interpret to the Church the needs, concerns, and

hopes of the world. You are to assist the bishop and

priests in public worship and in the ministration of God's

Word and Sacraments, and you are to carry out other

duties assigned to you from time to time. At all times,

your life and teaching are to show Christ's people that in

serving the helpless they are serving Christ himself.”

Examination of a Deacon,

Book of Common Prayer, Page 543

Table of Contents

Overview: What is a Deacon? Pages 1-2

Canonical Ordination Protocol Page 3-4

Relationship of the Deacon and Bishop Page 5

Parochial Assignments Page 6

Relationship of Deacon, Parish and Priest Page 7

Deacon Speaking to the Church Page 7

Deacon in Liturgy Page 8

Liturgical Duties Reserved For Priests & Bishops Pages 9-10

Non-Parochial Diocesan Assignments Page 11

Placement Protocol Page 11

Resignation and Reassignment Protocol Page 12

Conflict Resolution Pages 13-14

Deacon and Continuing Education Page 15

Deacon and Clerical Clothes Page 15

Deacon and Forms of Address Page 15

Deacon and Discretionary Funds Page 16

Exhibit A Pages 17-19

Exhibit B Pages 21-22

Vision Statement

The Diocese of Central Florida gratefully

acknowledges the adaptation and use of material

previously developed by our sisters and brothers

in the Diocese of Atlanta, The Diocese of Western

New York, The Diocese of Maine, The Diocese of

Kansas and the Assoc

iation for Episcopal

Deacons.

“A deacon is a baptized person called and empowered by

God and the Church to be a model of Christ’s servant

ministry for all people. As agents of God’s compassion and

reconciling grace, deacons are missionaries to the world and

messengers to the Church of the world’s needs, hopes, and

concerns. In the Church, deacons call forth, empower and

inspire the baptized to respond to these needs. The role of

the deacon in liturgy mirrors this role of the deacon in

Church and World. Deacons are living symbols of Christ’s

presence as they embody Christ’s servant ministry and point

to the presence of Christ in those they serve.”

~ Association for Episcopal Deacons

Overview: What is a Deacon?

The understanding of diaconal ministry set forth

herein is grounded in four primary sources: the

Holy Scriptures,

The Book of Common Prayer

(1979; hereafter “BCP”),

the Constitution and

Canons of the Episcopal Church, and the

Constitution and Canons of the Diocese of Central

Florida. Each of these sources bears witness to

diaconal ministry as service, in the Church and in

the world. As servant ministers, Deacons (and

those who aspire to ordination to the Diaconate)

strive to exemplify a spirit of service to others.

And a dedication to helping others enter into the

ministry of Christian service.

Ordination to the

diaconate is not done to recognize or validate

existing ministries. Rather; it is a means of

forming ministers of the Gospel called to model

the servant ministry of Christ to all the baptized.

Deacons are not ordained to do outreach ministry

on behalf of the Church but to model servant

ministry and to lead all members of the Church

into servant ministry.

Deacons also help interpret the needs and

concerns of the world to the Church. Deacons

have a visible ministry to the dispossessed,

advocate that ministry, and strengthen servant

ministry in the Diocese.

The word deacon derives from the Greek word

Diakonos

meaning servant or minister. The

biblical concept of

diakonia

is service; particularly

to the poor, sick and oppressed. A deacon’s

service is a sign or sacrament of Jesus, who came

not to be served but to serve. Jesus is the model

for the servant leadership. A deacon is called to

“have one foot in the world and one foot in the

church”. A deacon’s ministry and service is

grounded in worship at the Table. From there,

their ministry flows into the community. Deacons

serve in specific roles in the liturgy; however, their

liturgical roles are symbolic of their real ministry in

the world. They base that ministry as offering

back into the worship at the Table.

Canonical Ordination Process

According to the National Canons for the Episcopal

Church, Title 3.6.5f states: Before ordination, each

Candidate (for the Diaconate) shall be prepared in and

demonstrate basic competence in five areas:

1. Academic Studies including The Holy Scriptures,

theology, and the tradition of the Church.

2 Diakonia and the diaconate.

3. Human understanding.

4. Spiritual development and discipline.

5. Practical training and experience.

The process of preparation in the Diocese of Central

Florida takes two and one half years. Upon successful

completion, a candidate would be ordained at the end of

the second year and will continue in his/her training and

accountability for six months after ordination.

The process of ordination begins with The Conference on

Ministry in the early Fall. Persons who are exploring a

sense of call come and meet with the Commission on

Ministry (hereafter “COM”) and hear a series of

informational sessions regarding the ordination process.

A person is considered officially in the process once a

completed application and letter of support from their

Rector, Vicar, or Priest-in-charge and the vestry are

received in the Bishop’s office.

The person is then considered an Aspirant to ministry and

will be assigned a COM representative who will be tasked

with meeting with the Aspirant’s home church to form,

along with the clergy in charge, a Parish Discernment

Committee (hereafter “PDC”).

Upon completion of the PDC, the home parish will

recommend that the Aspirant continue to pursue

ordination or recommend that the process be stopped. If

a PDC recommendation is to stop, the process is

immediately ended. (The Episcopal Church raises up

leadership in community. If the community of the home

parish does not hear the call of the aspirant to ministry and

is not willing to support the aspirant, the process is no

longer viable.)

If the PDC supports the Aspirant to continue in the

ordination process, the Aspirant will typically be invited to

the Bishop’s Advisory Commission for Aspirants to

Ministry (Hereafter, “BACAM”).

After BACAM, the COM makes a recommendation to the

Bishop, who will decide if the aspirant should become a

Postulant to ministry.

After successfully meeting the necessary requirements for

becoming a Postulant, the Postulant is then considered for

becoming a Candidate for ministry.

After the Candidate has completed the necessary

requirements, he/she is considered for ordination.

Academic and training preparation for ordination will

occur concurrently with the Canonical process.

The Relationship of

Deacon and the Bishop

Deacons serve directly under the authority of and at the

pleasure of the Bishop. The Bishop may designate a

deacon to serve as a parochial deacon or a non-parochial

diocesan deacon.

Parochial deacons are charged with serving a particular

parish or mission. They work collaboratively with the

leadership of the Parish under the guidance and direction

of the Rector, Vicar or Priest-in-Charge.

Non-parochial diocesan deacons are charged with

actualizing and developing diocesan ministries and

initiatives under the guidance and oversight of the Bishop

or other designated authority (i.e. Canon to the Ordinary,

Canon for Vocation or Archdeacon.)

Parochial Assignments

Deacons shall be assigned to congregations of the diocese

by the Bishop in consultation with the Archdeacon,

prospective Rector, Vicar or Priest-in-Charge, (hereafter to

be RVP) and the newly ordained deacon. Before the

newly ordained deacon receives his/her placement

assignment, his/her sense of God’s call to a parish, his/her

gifts for ministry and experience are considered.

Parochial deacons serve a particular parish under the

guidance and direction of the Rector, Vicar, or Priest-in-

Charge. Upon the beginning of ministry the deacon and

parish will execute a Letter of Agreement for Deacons.

(See Exhibit A).

This Letter of Agreement must be approved by the Bishop,

the deacon and the RVP. This letter will provide clarity of

duties as well as a structure for the annual review.

All deacons are required to complete an Annual Report

(See Exhibit B). Retired Deacons still serving occasionally,

Non-Parochial deacons, deacons who are Canonically

Resident in a Diocese other than Central Florida, and

deacons 72 years of age or older are required to be re-

licensed each year. The licensing year is July 1

of the

current year through June 30

of the following year.

The Archdeacon will transmit the Annual Report Request

and Forms in the Spring of each year.

The Relationship of the Deacon

to the Congregation and

Rector, Vicar or Priest-in-Charge

The deacon works as a ministry partner with his/her RVP.

The deacon meets regularly with the RVP, including an

annual ministry review meeting.

Family members of the deacon are discouraged from

serving on the vestry of the parish in which the deacon is

engaged in ministry.

The Deacon Speaking

to the Church

As a symbol of servant ministry, the deacon brings the

concerns and needs of the world to the attention of the

church. As a result, deacons are expected to have voice in

all decision-making bodies in the Diocese.

The Deacon in the Liturgy

Liturgical service is the launching pad for the deacon.

Deacons sacramentally express their mission and ministry

in worship and worship fuels their mission on ministry.

Thus a deacon’s primary liturgical roles as an expression of

their ministry are as follows:

1. Deacons proclaim the Gospel to symbolize

taking the Good News of God’s love to the

world.

2. Deacons lead Prayers of the People to reflect

bringing the concerns of the world to the

church.

3. Deacons set the table to model servanthood.

4. Deacons proclaim the dismissal to symbolize

their mission to send the people of God out

into the world.

The deacon may have other duties as assigned by the R, V,

or P and in agreement with the Bishop.

Liturgical Duties Reserved For

Priests and Bishops

There are three liturgical functions that deacons are NOT

allowed to perform. These functions are strictly the

function of a priest. The operational distinction is that the

priest stands in the place of Christ.

1. A deacon may not pronounce absolution. A

deacon may ASK for God to forgive

someone, but may NOT pronounce it.

2. A deacon may not pronounce blessing.

Again, a deacon may ASK for God to bless

someone.

3. A deacon may not consecrate the elements

for Eucharist.

It is crucial to note that there is no such thing as a

“Deacon’s Mass”. There is a provision in BCP for

“Communion Under Special Circumstances” (BCP, page

396).

HOWEVER, this is NOT to be employed lightly or

routinely. A deacon must have prior approval from the

Bishop to conduct this service. It is to be used in only in

special circumstances

with prior consent from the Bishop.

The following are warning signs of the blurring or

confusion of liturgical roles:

1. Liturgical duties are listed first in the deacon’s

letter of agreement.

2. Deacons are expected to lead services at their

assigned church on a regular basis, except as

a matter of missionary strategy approved by

the Bishop.

3. The R, V, or P proposes communion from

the reserved sacrament rather than securing a

supply priest for vacations or other absences

from the parish.

4. The deacon’s liturgical duties take time away

from the deacon’s servant ministry in the

world.

Non-Parochial Diocesan Assignments

Non-Parochial Diocesan assignments are made by the

Bishop, in consultation with the Archdeacon and the

deacon in question.

Upon the Bishop’s request, the deacon may provide a

detailed description of the ministry to which he/she will be

engaged as well as the contact information for the person

to whom the deacon will be accountable in the context of

such ministry. (i.e. Supervisor of hospital or prison

chaplaincy, social service agency, etc.)

The effectiveness of this ministry will be reviewed annually

by the Bishop, Archdeacon and deacon.

Non-Parochial deacons are required to submit an annual

report detailing their ministry for the previous year.

Placement Protocol

The deacon is expected to prayerfully discern where

he/she feels that God is calling them to serve. When

he/she feels he/she has heard God’s voice speaking to

him/her; he/she is to contact the R, V, P, and ask if he/she

would be amenable to the assignment. If so, then the

deacon is to submit in writing to the Archdeacon and the

Bishop requesting formal assignment to that ministry. The

Bishop will either affirm or deny the placement request.

Resignation/Reassignment Protocol

At a time when the deacon desires to resign or step down

from his/her current assignment, he/she must first contact

the Bishop in writing to request permission. After

receiving Bishop’s permission the deacon will write a

detailed letter outlining his/her decision. This letter will be

sent to the Bishop, Archdeacon, R, V, or P, and the Senior

Warden of the Vestry if it is a parochial assignment. The

letter is then shared with the Vestry.

The deacon will then work with the R, V, or P to establish

a resignation plan to include, but not limited to, the final

date of service, the announcement to the congregation,

the surrendering of keys, the relinquishment of duties and

the termination of discretionary accounts. (Discretionary

accounts will be addressed more fully further in this

customary.)

Conflict Resolution for the Deacon

DIOCESAN CONFLICT RESOLUTION POLICY

For the Vocational Diaconate

(rev. 11/2014)

The Diocese recognizes that occasional conflicts may arise

between a priest and a deacon assigned to a

parish/mission. The following guidelines offer a means of

dealing with this difficulty in a way that will hopefully lead

to openness, honesty and healing.

The Archdeacon will be informed of the conflict and serve

as mediator.

NOTE:

Open and honest communication between the priest and

deacon is of utmost importance.

Procedure:

1) Should a conflict begin to emerge between priest

and deacon, the two parties will meet and

discuss the issues related to this disagreement.

2) If common agreement cannot be reached, either

party may request a joint meeting with the

Archdeacon and/or Canon to the Ordinary.

3) If the relationship cannot be restored, a change

of assignment will be considered.

4) Appropriate closure with the parish is

encouraged, prior to a change in assignment.

5) The deacon will take the utmost care to

minimize conflict in the congregation.

Time-frame:

Steps 1 through 4 may take place over a period of 3-4

months, during which time the goal will be resolution of

the difficulty. Resolution may involve re-negotiation of

the terms of the Letter of Agreement with its attachment;

the Archdeacon may assist in this process.

Re-assignment:

If resolution in the involved parish cannot be made, a re-

assignment for the deacon will be considered. It is

suggested that the deacon take some time before

immediately entering into a relationship with a new

parish. When reassignment is appropriate, it will be

negotiated with the Archdeacon, who will keep the Bishop

and the Canon to the Ordinary apprised of the process.

The priest of the new parish, who has agreed to receive

the deacon, will request that the deacon be assigned to

his/her parish by writing to the Bishop and copied to the

Archdeacon. The Bishop may, at this point re-assign the

deacon. A Service of Celebration of a Deacon’s New

Ministry will be scheduled and the deacon will be installed

in the parish.

The Bishop’s involvement

: A deacon is assigned to a given

parish by the Bishop; the deacon may meet with the

Bishop to discuss his/her concerns.

The Deacon and Continuing Education

Any deacon serving in the Diocese of Central Florida is

required to successfully complete 12 hours of continuing

education each year. The continuing education hours will

be reported each year in the annual report.

The Deacon and Clerical Clothes

The deacon is expected to wear clerical clothing whenever

he/she is performing in a liturgical function.

The Deacon and Forms of Address

The proper title of form of address for a deacon is

“Deacon” before the first or last name of a deacon. For

example “Deacon Joe” or “Deacon Smith”. They may also

use the title “The Reverend”.

An Archdeacon is addressed in a like manner; the word

“Archdeacon” before his/her first or last name. The title of

the Archdeacon is “The Venerable”.

The Deacon and Discretionary Funds

The deacon is not required to be given a discretionary

account. In a church that allows the deacon a

discretionary account, it is important to note that the

discretionary account is established and owned by the

Church, not the deacon. It must remain in compliance

with standards and practices required by the Episcopal

Church and the Diocese of Central Florida. Discretionary

accounts are to be used to alleviate suffering of the poor,

not to pay church professional or ministry expenses. All

statements and information pertaining to the account are

sent directly to the church. All account information,

including checks, is to be maintained by the church. It is

strongly suggested that a check require two signatures for

validation. Further, the account is to be audited annually.

Exhibit A, Deacon Letter of Agreement

DIOCESE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

LETTER OF AGREEMENT

FOR

DEACON: ____________________________________________________

DATE: _______________________________________________________

The Rt. Reverend Gregory O. Brewer, Bishop of the Diocese of Central Florida,

hereby assigns the Reverend

_________________________________________________, Deacon, to serve

at _____________________________________________________ Episcopal

Church, under the immediate supervision of the Reverend

_____________________________________.

The assignment of this deacon to this parish has been made by the Bishop, in

consultation with the Deacon, Archdeacon, Rector, Vicar, or Priest-in-Charge,

and the Vestry of the parish.

This agreement is entered into with the understanding that a change in

assignment may be considered and reviewed at the request of the Deacon,

Vicar, Rector or priest-in-charge, Bishop or Archdeacon.

Both the deacon and parish agree to abide by the deacons' guidelines as they are

now currently in effect. I agree to take at least 12 hours of continuing education

each year, as required by the diocesan Continuing Education Policy.

Signed:

_______________________________________

Deacon

_______________________________________

Rector/Vicar/Priest-in-Charge

_______________________________________

Senior Warden

_______________________________________

Archdeacon

_______________________________________

Bishop

ATTACHMENT TO THE LETTER OF

AGREEMENT

Memorandum of the understanding between

_________________________________________________, Deacon and the

Wardens and Vestry of ____________________________________________

Episcopal Church in

__________________________, FL

JOB DESCRIPTION

Please list the primary areas of responsibility of the deacon:

Within the parish:

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Outreach:

______________________________________________________________

(use the reverse side of this form if necessary)

1. Terms of agreement July 1 of the current year until June 30 of the next year:

______________________________________________________________

2. Work schedule/anticipated hours/days per week:

______________________________________________________________

3. Vacation Period:

______________________________________________________________

Other understandings:

______________________________________________________________

5. An evaluation meeting will be held each year with the Rector/Vicar.

In order to support the deacon in the exercise of his/her ministry, the following

reimbursement will be provided by the parish: (NOTE: not all deacons are

reimbursed in all of the following ways. Please complete only those lines that

reflect the practice currently being followed in the parish.)

6. Annual reimbursement

6.1 Automobile allowance: $

6.2 Diocesan Convention: $

6.3 Continuing Education: $

6.4 Clergy/spouse conference: $

6.5 Clergy conference: $

6.6 Deacons' Retreat: $

6.7 Insurance:

6.7A Life insurance:

6.7B Medical:

6.7C Dental:

6.8 Contribution to Discretionary Fund: $

6.9 Other reimbursement (state type):

TOTAL REIMBURSEMENT: $

Exhibit B, Deacon Annual Report

Diocese of Central Florida Annual Report

For all Active Deacons, Retired Deacons, Non-Parochial

Deacons, Deacons who are Canonically Resident in a Diocese

other than Central Florida,

and Deacons 72 years of age or older.

Please return completed report to:

The Ven. Kristi Alday

1017 East Robinson Street, Orlando, Florida 32801

Or Via Email: kalday@cfdiocese.org

Name: ________________________________________________________

Spouse's Name: ________________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________

City: _________________________________ State: _____________

Zip Code: _______________

Home Phone: ______________________

Email Address: ________________________________________

Cell Phone: _______________________________

Date of Birth: _________________

Diocese of Canonical Residence: ___________________________________

Retired: Yes or No

Currently Serving (parish/institution and city)__________________________

12 Hours of Continuing Education

_______________________________________________________________

Brief description of ministry (or causes/reasons which have prevented exercise

of the same) – add additional sheets if necessary:

_____________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

Signature: ____________________________________________________

Date: ___________________________

Note: By signing this form you certify that the information is correct and

(where appropriate) are applying for a renewal of your license to

function as a deacon in the Diocese of Central Florida and/or wish to

remain in your present tenure. Also, please note, a physical license will

be sent to those who are 72 years of age and over and still serving, and

to those who are not canonically resident and assigned to a church. If

you are NOT in this group, please make a copy of this report as you will

NOT receive a physical license.

I strongly suggest that you meet with your Rector/Vicar/Priest in

Charge and review your ministry with them.

They devoted themselves to the

apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to

the breaking of bread and the prayers.

Acts 2:42

Deacon Customary for the

Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida

1017 East Robinson Street

Orlando, Florida 32801

(800) 299-3567

(407) 423-3567

Website: www.cfdiocese.org/ics/