Listed on my public schedule was, “Candidacy at Hammonton, February 20.” I was asked, what’s that? I suspect many of the faithful are not familiar with the ceremony of candidacy. Let me explain.
In order to receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders, which begins with ordination to the diaconate, a man must be declared as a candidate for the sacrament. The bishop officiates at the Ceremony of Candidacy.
The ritual begins when those preparing for the Sacrament of Holy Orders are called by name, to which they respond, “Present.” That response “present” means that the candidate has come on his own free will. No one is forcing him. This is his decision arrived at through discernment with his spiritual director. Having been approved for candidacy by those in charge of the program of formation, the man is present to God, who is calling him to holy orders.
When the candidate publicly responds “present,” he is declaring that it is his intention to accept the Lord’s call. The bishop then asks two questions. First, “Are you resolved to complete the preparation for holy orders?” In other words, the candidate declares that he is in for the full ride. It is God who is calling the candidate to holy orders. To God, he responds, “Present,” which means yes.
The second question asked by the bishop to the candidate: “Are you resolved to prepare yourself intellectually and spiritually to serve the Church?” The academic or intellectual preparation is essential in order to study and learn Catholic theology. The spiritual preparation is also essential in order for the candidate to seriously grow in Christ. As to the intellectual preparation, the candidate for holy orders must have knowledge and understanding of the theological tradition of the Church and Church teachings. As to the spiritual formation, a candidate must show that his relationship with Jesus Christ is developing as he is exposed to the varieties of Catholic spiritualities.
The Ceremony of Candidacy is conducted in a public setting; the candidate’s resolve must be heard by others. Candidacy is not just about the candidate. It is about admitting a man who eventually will serve the Church in an official capacity as an ordained minister.
On Thursday, February 20, I accepted nine men as candidates for the diaconate. Candidacy is about their intellectual preparation, the course of studies that must be completed, and their spiritual formation, growing in Christ. In a few years, these nine men should be ordained permanent deacons.
Pope Paul VI restored the permanent diaconate to the Church. On the way to the priesthood, a man is ordained a deacon. It is one of the steps in the Sacrament of Holy Orders. A permanent deacon will not be ordained a priest. These are usually married men. Presently, our Diocese is well-served by 56 permanent deacons. In October of this year, 16 candidates will be ordained deacons.
The ministry of a deacon is about charity. Serving those in need. It is about preaching the Word of God at Mass and at celebrations of the Word of God, and teaching the Catholic faith. It is also about the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, for which a deacon has designated liturgical functions. A deacon may witness the Sacrament of Matrimony and celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism.
Most of our permanent deacons are assigned to parishes where they assist the pastor in the pastoral work of the parish; some serve as chaplains in hospitals, nursing homes and prisons. Others serve in diocesan offices. The varieties of ministry of a permanent deacon build up the Church and help advance and grow the rule of God throughout the six counties of our Diocese.
Men who feel the Lord is calling them to the diaconate should speak to their pastor, who can provide information about the requirements and the course of study.
In 1976, when I was assigned to a parish in the northeast Bronx, I collaborated with a permanent deacon. This was new to me. He was a dedicated, bright, holy man who helped me organize Hispanic ministry in that parish. I could not have done it without his wise assistance and also the commitment of his wife. Their love for the Church was as passionate as their love for each other. During my 12 years in the Diocese of Camden, I have come to know and to admire the ministries of our permanent deacons.
The first martyr of our Church, Saint Stephen, whose feast day is celebrated December 26, the day after Christmas, was a deacon. Martyr means witness. The Diocese of Camden has been blessed since October 4, 1976, with deacon witnesses. May more men come forward to join their ranks.
At the conclusion of the candidacy ceremony, I visited the diaconate center across the street from the church. Classes were being conducted. One group was doing a course in Church history; another, homiletics (preaching). Others were studying dogmatic theology. Those men had been at their jobs all day and were now sitting for a two-hour class. How could I not be impressed with their sacrifices for the Church, that is for us.
Saint Stephen, pray for the Diocese of Camden’s permanent deacons and for Camden’s newly instituted candidates for the diaconate.
Most Reverend Dennis J. Sullivan, D.D.
Bishop of Camden