By Chris Eckl

Would you like to see the permanent diaconate introduced in the Archdiocese of Atlanta?

This was the question asked 300 subscribers to the Georgia Bulletin in a recent survey. Of the 65 who answered, 45 said “yes” 17 said “no”, and 3 said “maybe”.

Persons who received survey letters were told that since Vatican II there has been considerable discussion on restoring the diaconate. A deacon—married or unmarried—would baptize, preach, distribute Holy Communion and possibly anoint the sick. He would not hear confessions or say Mass.

The majority of the persons favoring the diaconate thought it was a good idea because deacons could relieve over-worked priests. Others cited the shortage of vocations.

Those opposed offered a variety of reasons. “Disgusting,’ wrote one reader, “but if the Archdiocese of Atlanta wishes to restore this diaconate may I suggest that you allow deacons to hear confessions and consecrate, then we could do way with the priests in the Universal Church.”

Another said, “This would be a rush to Protestantism. It would be difficult to find qualified persons. Protestant churches have this problem and are often forced to use persons not qualified so a position can be filled.”

Several others said that changes are coming too quickly in the Church and they would like a “breathing spell.’

One writer said he was in favor of the diaconate because “in terms of Vatican II, trends are strongly toward groups of Catholics worshipping in units much smaller than the American parish normally involves. Priests in sufficient abundance would not be available to such units.”

He said the small units would relieve Catholic lay people of “the financial burden of enormous church and educational plants.”

Another supporter of the diaconate said, “In the body of laymen, there is a vast resource and reserve of ability and talent now largely unused except for fund drives. The church could well use laymen as deacons. P.S. I’m available.”

A layman said he favored the move because of the shortage of priests. “They (deacons) will know real family problems by not having to live the way priests do. I also believe priests should marry if they want to. Celibacy is a church law.”

“The diaconate sounds like an important step toward making the people feel closer to the Church. This would certainly be true for members of the diaconate and it should affect the whole congregation. In my opinion, the need to pull the people back into a personal relationship with the Church is one of the most apparent needs,” another said.

Some other favorable comments included:

--“It would be the greatest thing to help our overworked priests.”

--“This would give the bishops and priests more time to spend with their people and their duties.”

--“It would take the pressure off our too-busy priests so they can have more time for trying creative things.

--“It would reduce the work load of the priests, permitting them to devote more time to other duties in and away from their parishes.”

--“I am in favor of restoring the diaconate because it would help in this time of a shortage of vocations.”

--“I would like to add that priests wishing to leave the priesthood for various reasons (including marriage) could be assigned to the work of a deacon.”

--“There is a shortage of young men entering the priesthood, yet the Catholic Church is growing in Georgia. We need deacons to help our priests who have so much work to perform.”

Some comments from those who are opposed to the idea include:

--“There have been so many changes in our church lately and in this ‘jet’ age, we need something old and concrete to holding on to. It is my opinion that a priest should administer all sacraments.”

--“I think that the moves now taking place in the archdiocese are encouraging more lay participation in administration and advisory functions and priests are being relieved of some of the load of non-priestly duties.”

--“I think it an outrage to even think about this. What will we do with the priests?”