Odnowa urzędu diakonatu?

Abstract

The context of the theological discussion on permanent diaconate in Poland is different than in other countries, for a considerable number of deacons performs this ministry. The participants of the seminary which took place at the Catholic University agreed that diaconate should not be treated only as an initial step to the sacrament of vows. Diaconate also essentially differs form common priesthood, one that is received by virtue of the sacraments of baptism and confirmation. The ministry of deacons obtains a specific participation in the sacerdotal office of Jesus Christ, though it is not a strictly sacerdotal ministry. The very fact that deacons perform their ministry by virtue of vows which make them like Christ, and not by virtue of the Church’s commission (like the lay people), puts deacons in the hierarchy of the Church. On the basis of biblical and patristic data, and on the theological opinions, the authors are willing to say that diaconate and deacon’s ministry should not be identified with presbyters or the sacrament of the priesthood (deacons receive sacramental vows “not for the priesthood but for the ministry” – Lumen gentium, 29). And in the introduction of the practice of permanent diaconate theological and pastoral reasons should be equally taken into account. Today the “non-sacramental ministry” in relation to the poor is carried out to a great extent by female and male religious orders. Now deacons are left with the ministry at the Holy Mass and other liturgical activities. The seminary showed that theological argumentation should not be based only on biblical premisses and methodological assumptions, in isolation from a broader context and the perspective of the living Church. Otherwise, many theological question could not be solved.