For Deacons
These guidelines outline the ministry of deacons in the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego. They pertain to deacons, not transitional deacons.
The ordinal of the Book of Common Prayer (p. 543) is the basic document that characterizes the nature of the diaconate. The deacon models servant or service ministry for the congregation and encourages involvement in servant or service ministry as a part of the fulfillment of the baptismal covenant. Deacons are ordained to empower the servant or service ministry of the Church, seeking to strengthen the link between the world and the Church.
There is normally one group ordination of candidates to the diaconate each year and it takes place in the Cathedral of St. Paul in San Diego. All deacons have the opportunity to renew ordination vows each year.
Traditionally, the deacon serves immediately under the authority of the bishop. In most cases, the bishop will assign the deacon to a parish/mission at the request, and with the consent of, its rector, vicar or priest-in-charge, as the case may be. The deacon enters into a written agreement with the parish or mission and with the bishop. In addition, a deacon may be given a non-parochial mission by the bishop. The deacon is subject to reassignment by the bishop at any time. Any deacon contemplating a new parish assignment should communicate with the bishop’s office before entering into any negotiations with such parish.
Deacons, even those ministering within a secular institution, are to have a regular parish connection where they function on Sundays. Unassigned deacons are to be in close communication with the bishop.
Deacons should regularly attend the annual diocesan convention.
Deacons are reimbursed for professional expenses incurred as part of their ministry, as agreed upon by the deacon and the parish.