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General Topics

This section includes a range of articles on topics about deacons and diaconate which do not fit neatly into reflections on the ministry of the word, liturgy or pastoral ministry. There is a fairly wide scope in this section to include articles of general interest to deacons, those in formation and formators. Simply open up the link to a PDF at the bottom of this page to locate the article you would like to read.

In this section we want to open up some theological reflection on the nature of ministry in general, diaconal ministry, ecclesiology, liturgy and current questions about these.

As with each section we invite you to submit articles, that are well researched and argued, for possible publication in this section. Send them as a Word attachment (preferably .docx format) to the editor at ncdeditor@bigpond.com Link will allow you to send an email

You are welcome to copy the articles for your personal use. We only ask that you acknowledge the source and respect copyright provisions with respect to any other reproduction for educational purposes, especially in schools, colleges and universities.

Downloads

Acts 6 a short introduction Link will open a PDF document in a new window (58 KB)

Cara Deacons Poll Link will open a PDF document in a new window (437 KB)

Deacon Herald of the Gospel of Christ Link will open a PDF document in a new window (97 KB)

Diaconate Post Ordination Report 2009-2010 Link will open a PDF document in a new window (260 KB)

Q&A on Acts 6 Link will open a PDF document in a new window (25 KB)

Servant Myth Link will open a PDF document in a new window (108 KB)

Terms of Address Link will open a PDF document in a new window (32 KB) - The table in this article indicating forms of address for presbyters (priests) and deacons is the one approved by the ACBC for use in Australia. It is, however, universally applicable.

The Deacon Has Many Pastoral Functions Link will open a PDF document in a new window (32 KB)

Pastoral Review - Embattled Deacon Link will open a PDF document in a new window (66 KB)

Reader response to Deacons Servants of Caritas Link will open a PDF document in a new window (38 KB)

What is a deacon Link will open a PDF document in a new window (27 KB)

What does a Deacon Do Link will open a PDF document in a new window (29 KB)

Benedict XVI, Porta Fidei (Door of Faith) Link will open a PDF document in a new window (74 KB) - The letter of Benedict XVI announcing the Holy Year for 2012-2013.

Called From the Crowd Link will open a PDF document in a new window (68 KB) - Fr Morgan Batt of the Archdiocese of Brisbane writes about vocational discernment.

Eastern Catholic Churches Link will open a PDF document in a new window (169 KB) - A short article about Eastern Catholic Churches from the series 'Bite Size Vatican II'.

What is meant by Roman Catholic in ecumenical dialogue' Link will open a PDF document in a new window (130 KB) - When the Catholic Church enters into ecumenical dialogue and partnerships it is referred to as the Roman Catholic Church. Catholics use the term Roman Catholic in another way.

A vocation discernment process Link will open a PDF document in a new window (142 KB) - Are you a single or married Catholic man wondering if God might be calling you to be a deacon in the Catholic Church' This article is a discernment tool to help you pray through your search.

The Diaconate: A Theological Overview Link will open a PDF document in a new window (89 KB) - Deacon John Taylor explores some of the theological foundations of the ministry of deacons.

Social justice implications of counter terrorism Link will open a PDF document in a new window (153 KB) - In an opinion piece in the Sydney Morning Herald Richard Ackland asks what price we are paying to counter terrorism. He argues that the continued operation of the US Military Detention Centre and abuse of human rights and international legal

Eastern Catholic Churches Link will open a PDF document in a new window (574 KB) - As are many Latin Rite Catholics, I am a bit ignorant about the Eastern Catholic Church. What is the difference between the rites' Can Latin Church Catholics fulfil their Sunday obligation by attending an Eastern Catholic Mass' etc

BISHOPS OF ENGLAND AND WALES ON MARRIAGE Link will open a PDF document in a new window (168 KB) - LONDON, MARCH 9, 2012 Here is a letter signed by the president and vice president of the bishops' conference of England and Wales, regarding a possible change in law to recognize same-sex "marriage." The letter will be read at Masses in England and Wal

The basin and the towel and the deacon Link will open a PDF document in a new window (86 KB) - This essay argues that the basin and towel, an image taken from John's Gospe,l have no connection with diaconal ministry and should be abandoned as a symbol.