Deacon s Customary Diocese of Oregon

Deacon s Customary Diocese of Oregon

Table of Contents Vision for the Diaconate Association for Episcopal Deacons... 4 Purpose of Customary... 4 The Relationship between the Bishop and the Deacons... 4 Diaconal Access to the Bishop... 4 Reporting to the Bishop... 5 Archdeacon(s)... 5 Obligatory Attendance... 5 Deacons and Diocesan Governance... 5 Deacons in Service to the World: Social Service Ministries in the Community... 5 Deacons in Service to the Church: The Parochial Assignment... 5 Congregational Preparation... 6 Letter of Agreement... 6 The Priest/Deacon Relationship... 6 The Deacon s Time Commitment... 6 Other Covenant Hours... 6 Family Members... 7 Deacons in the Liturgy... 7 Regular Functions... 7 Additional Duties... 7 Preaching... 7 Clerical Attire... 7 Liturgical Acknowledgement of a Deacon s Service... 7 Special Liturgical Occasions... 8 Serving with the Bishop... 8 Holy Baptism... 8 Holy Matrimony... 8 Ministration to the Sick... 8 Burial of the Dead... 8 The Daily Offices... 8 Communion from the Reserved Sacrament... 9 Blessings... 9 Financial Status... 9 Leaves... 9 Sabbatical... 10 Leave of Absence... 10 Inactive Status... 10 Deacons Assigned to Congregations in Times of Transition... 10 Deacon Role During Transition... 11 Responsibility of Wardens... 11 Assignment of Interim, Priest-in-Charge or Rector... 11 Deacon Responsibilities... 11 Practicing a Rule of Life... 11 Tithing... 11 Clergy Collegiality... 11

Continuing Education... 11 Relocation... 12 Retirement... 12 Retirement Letter... 12 Church Attendance... 12 Expectations upon Retirement... 12 Forms of Clerical Address... 13 A Deacon s Charge... 13

CUSTOMARY FOR DEACONS EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF OREGON Vision for the Diaconate Association for Episcopal Deacons A deacon is a baptized person called and empowered by God and the Church to be a model of Christ s servant ministry for all people. As agents of God s compassion and reconciling grace, deacons are missionaries to the world and messengers to the Church of the world s need, hopes, and concerns. In the Church, deacons call forth, empower, and inspire the baptized to respond to those needs. The role of the deacon in liturgy mirrors this role of the deacon in Church and world. Deacons are living symbols of Christ s presence as they embody Christ s servant ministry and point to the presence of Christ in those they serve. (Association for Episcopal Deacons) Purpose of Customary This Customary is written to clarify the role of deacons as ordained ministers in service to the world and to the church, and to communicate the ways in which deacons will function and be supported in the Diocese of Oregon. These customs shall be regarded and observed in this diocese by lay persons, bishops, and presbyters as well as deacons. The information herein was created by a team of deacons in the Diocese including the Rev. Peg Bernhard, Rev. Mimi Eick, Rev. Linda Goertz, Rev. Maureen Hagen, Rev. Laurel Hart, Rev. Julie Jensen, and the Ven. Carter Hawley presented with the approval of Bishop Michael Hanley, current Bishop of the Diocese of Oregon, and is guided by the vision statement of the Association for Episcopal Deacons, with reference to customaries from several other dioceses. The Relationship between the Bishop and the Deacons Deacons serve immediately under the authority and the pastoral leadership of the bishop. The bishop assigns a deacon to a congregation after consultation with the deacon, the archdeacon(s), and the member of the clergy exercising oversight at the proposed assignment. For simplicity, in this document, the term priest is used for all priests leading a parish, whether s/he is considered a rector, vicar, or priest in charge. At a parish, the priest oversees and coordinates the day-to-day activities of the deacon s parochial ministry. The bishop may also assign a deacon to a nonparochial ministry, (Title III, Canon 7.4). In these instances, the deacon is still answerable to the bishop, but oversight and coordination of particular job responsibilities are governed by organizational structure. Diaconal Access to the Bishop Though the archdeacons are responsible for updating the bishop on general activities of the diaconate, a deacon always has direct access to the bishop on matters of confidential, personal, or parochial importance.

Reporting to the Bishop Upon the annual anniversary of ordination, renewal of contract, and when leaving an assignment, the deacon shall write a letter to the bishop, summarizing his/her ministry, areas of growth and learning, and/or vision for the future. The deacon should include major milestones and life changes, and any continuing education undertaken in the past year. Archdeacon(s) The bishop may assign deacon(s) to the position of archdeacon to share the duties, and privileges of diocesan and diaconal administration. The archdeacon(s) serve as the bishop s designee. They work at the request of and on behalf of the bishop, primarily in the areas of management, communication, deployment, education, and formation of the deacons. Obligatory Attendance Deacons are expected to attend Diocesan Convention, the Bishop s Annual Retreat with Deacons, and other events as deemed necessary. Deacons are invited and strongly encouraged to attend all clergy events in the diocese, including periodic leadership events, clergy conference, and the annual renewal of clergy vows. If a deacon cannot attend a clergy event in the diocese, s/he is expected to write the bishop before the absence explaining the reason for the absence. Expenses for diocesan clergy events should be paid by the parish, commensurate with other parish clergy. Deacons shall consult directly with the bishop for any adjustments to this expectation. All deacons are also strongly encouraged to be involved in a regular rota to accompany the bishop on ecclesiastical visits to congregations that do not have a deacon. Deacons and Diocesan Governance Because the deacon offers a prophetic voice wherever the Church makes decisions, deacons are also encouraged, if employment time and geographic location permits, to have a voice in at least one decision-making body of the diocese. Deacons are eligible for appointment or election to clergy positions on all boards, committees and commissions of the diocese. Deacons in Service to the World: Social Service Ministries in the Community The central focus of diaconal ministry is to mobilize and motivate the lay people of the Church into service to the community outside the boundaries of a congregation. Given the call of the Episcopal Church to be a Missional Church, a deacon s role in the world is particularly appropriate. The ministry of deacons varies widely, taking such forms as hospital or prison ministry, specialized counseling, ministry to the elderly, poor, dying, homeless, or persons with mental illness, or advocacy for social justice and change. Deacons in Service to the Church: The Parochial Assignment Congregations wishing to have a deacon shall make their request known to the bishop in writing with a letter from the priest indicating the congregation s needs and how they can be best met by a deacon. In addition to the gifts of the deacon and the needs of the congregation, the bishop and the archdeacon(s) will consider distance and geographic location of the church from the deacon s home and place of employment.

Congregational Preparation Prior to entering into formal agreement, it is strongly advised that the deacon make several unofficial visits to the church during liturgy and coffee hour events, and meet with the priest on first a social and then on an official basis. Letter of Agreement A Letter of Agreement from the Office of the Bishop is to be negotiated by the deacon and the priest and signed by all parties and the bishop, within one month of the deacon s arrival at the church. The duration of the Agreement is not to exceed three years. The term may be one year, at the request of the bishop, priest, or deacon. This shorter term should be considered for a deacon s first assignment in the diocese. Upon expiration of the Letter of the Agreement, the deacon and bishop or designee will discuss subsequent placement plans. A new Letter of Agreement is needed to reflect the subsequent placement plans, signed by the bishop, priest, and deacon. A sample Letter of Agreement is attached. The Priest/Deacon Relationship The deacon-priest relationship has primary importance in the success of the deacon s assignment, and on every aspect of the deacon s ministry. Each works as a cooperative ministry partner with the other, and both understand the relevance of role distinction. Good communication cannot be emphasized enough. The priest/deacon team is encouraged to meet regularly for prayer, mutual review of the deacon s ministry, and planning. The Deacon s Time Commitment The decision for hours covenanted between priest and deacon depends on both the deacon s gifts and the priest s vision for the congregation. A general guideline is to serve between 8 and 12 hours per week. A deacon s regular work schedule includes working Sundays at the altar, with one Sunday away per month. The Sunday away should be arranged in advance with the priest. This Sunday allows for deacon self-care, or other Diocesan work, including serving as deacon for a bishop s visitation. In addition to Sunday services and special liturgical occasions, such as Christmas and Holy Week, the deacon works in concert with the priest on social and outreach ministries, and the pastoral needs of the congregation. A deacon may also be in charge of training Eucharistic Ministers, Eucharistic Visitors, Lectors, Intercessors, and, with the priest, coordinate pastoral visits to the sick and shut-in people of the congregation; or in other outreach settings such as nursing homes, hospitals, or county jails. Covenanted hours should also include any service on diocesan committees, and for any diocesan events where clergy are expected by their bishop to attend. Other Covenant Hours Deacons, insofar as possible, should be aware of the needs and assets of the surrounding community. Deacons may represent a congregation on interfaith clergy organizations, or other committees, boards, or event deemed central to the deacon s outreach ministry and mission. The deacon is a non-voting member of the vestry (seat and voice but no vote), and the hours should be included in the covenanted hours.

Family Members Family members are welcome to attend the church where the deacon is serving. As regular members, they may serve on parish committees, but are strongly discouraged from serving on the vestry. Deacons in the Liturgy The rubrics of the Book of Common Prayer, the Canons, and the Diocesan Bishop s expectations always guide the liturgical functioning of the deacon at the diocesan and the local parish level. The priest shall encourage the deacon to function in all roles specific to the diaconal order, as well as in accordance with local parish custom. Regular Functions During any worship service, the deacon will usually: carry the Gospel Book in the processional and place it on the altar; read the Gospel; introduce the Prayers of the People, lead the Confession of Sin, (if there is a Eucharist), set the table, receive the gifts, stand by the celebrant during the Great Thanksgiving, lift the cup at the Words of Invitation, and say the words of dismissal. Additional Duties The deacon may also lead the Nicene Creed, assist the priest in breaking the bread following the Words of Invitation, act as chalicer or assist in distribution of the bread, and clear the table after communion. When it is the custom, the deacon may cense the Gospel book. If the deacon anticipates handling the consecrated elements, then he/she also participates in the ablutions prior to the initiation of The Great Thanksgiving. The deacon may also arrange the liturgical Sending Forth of Eucharistic Visitors following the Prayer of Thanksgiving following the Prayer of Thanksgiving (but before the Dismissal). Preaching The priest/vicar is primarily responsible for preaching the Gospel to the congregation. However, the deacon and the priest/vicar shall work out a preaching schedule which allows the deacon to proclaim the Gospel on a regular basis during the liturgical year. Clerical Attire Clerical attire (i.e., clergy shirt and collar) is usually reserved for when the deacon is performing functions on behalf of the Church. Alb and stole shall be worn only when the deacon is functioning as a deacon in the worship service. A dalmatic, if worn, should be in keeping with the vestments worn by others in the service. Cassock and surplice with deacons stole or tippet is appropriate for non-eucharistic worship services or when the deacon is not a participant in the altar party. Liturgical Acknowledgement of a Deacon s Service Soon after arrival, and in the context of the Sunday liturgy, the priest and the wardens shall introduce the deacon to the congregation, with prayers and tokens of welcome for the newly assigned deacon. A letter from the bishop acknowledging the assignment may be read. The deacon s time of leave-taking should be similarly marked with liturgical celebration, again possibly with a letter from the bishop. (Refer to The Book of Occasional Services.)

Special Liturgical Occasions Serving with the Bishop When the bishop is the celebrant, the deacon should perform all functions reserved for the deacon. In addition, the bishop s chaplain should be a deacon, if possible. In processions, the deacon(s) immediately precede the bishop. As the Bishop s Deacon, the deacon assists the bishop for all aspects of the visitation, including: Assist the bishop arriving and setting up, and upon departure. Assist in assuring things run smoothly. Offer to point the Presider s book Routinely, the deacon stands on Bishop Hanley s left Sets and clears the table as is the deacon's normal Sunday practice Before the bishop moves, hand him his crozier and miter as needed. When the bishop stops moving, take the crozier and miter At the conclusion of the Eucharist retrieve the miter and crozier and bring to where bishop will pronounce the blessing Holy Baptism When a deacon assists at baptism, his/her duties are outlined on pages 298 and 312 of the Book of Common Prayer. He/she may read the prayers for the candidate, assist the celebrant by pouring the water into the font (but not saying the Blessing Prayers over the water), holding the towels, oil stock, prayer book and otherwise serving. Deacons are not ordinarily the sole officiant at baptisms and must have the bishop s permission to do so. The deacon may administer the water and the words of baptism, but does not make the sign of the cross on the forehead. In the absence of a priest, the deacon may provide the pre-baptismal counseling. Holy Matrimony The guidelines for participation in Holy Matrimony are contained in the Book of Common Prayer, pages 422 and 437. Alongside the presiding priest/vicar, a deacon may deliver the charge, ask for the Declaration of Consent, read the Gospel, read the Prayers and perform other assisting functions at the Eucharist. In the Diocese of Oregon, a deacon is permitted to officiate a marriage ceremony when a priest is unavailable. The marriage must be recorded in a parish record book, and prior approval of the priest of that parish is required. The bishop or archdeacon(s) must be notified when a deacon officiates at Holy Matrimony. Under no circumstance is the deacon permitted to offer the nuptial blessing, which is to be omitted if the deacon presides. Ministration to the Sick A deacon may lay hands over, or anoint a sick person using oil previously blessed by the bishop and by substituting us for you and our for your in the concluding prayers. Burial of the Dead In the absence of a priest, a deacon may preside at service for the burial of the dead, the committal and the internment, but may not consecrate the grave. The Daily Offices The deacon may officiate at all Daily Offices, as may lay people.

Communion from the Reserved Sacrament When a priest is suddenly and unexpectedly unavailable for a scheduled Eucharist, due to pastoral emergency, illness, or similar reason, a deacon may conduct a service of Communion from the Reserved Sacrament, either following Morning Prayer, or following the Liturgy of the Word. Before each service, the deacon presents a short explanation to the congregation, about the difference between a Eucharistic Service and Communion from the Reserved Sacrament. This must only be done when insufficient time allows other arrangements. Blessings Deacons may lay hands upon the shoulder or above individual, object or space to be blessed; use plural pronouns such as we, us and our, acknowledging the Communion of Saints who stand as witnesses, and offer gratitude for the person s gifts of ministry; or ask for Christ s healing love, etc. Words of petition, blessing or healing are often preceded by the word May but without the sign of the cross on the forehead. Examples are Numbers 6: 24-26; or the general blessing from Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals. (Zondervan Press, 2010). If appropriate, the deacon may also sprinkle holy water (already blessed by a priest), as in receiving the body in a memorial service; or administer healing oil (already blessed by the bishop) in a healing service, or at the bedside of the sick or dying. A deacon may not: Pronounce a blessing on anyone or anything, Bless the waters of baptism, or give the sign of the cross over the candidate for baptism at the words of baptism; give a marriage blessing; bless or dedicate any object designated for use in a consecrated space (e.g., wall hangings, a new Gospel book or vestments) or consecrate a gravesite. Financial Status Most deacons are Non-Stipendiary, but there are expenses associated with having a deacon. The congregation is expected to pay registration fees, housing (hotel fees), and mileage for diocesan functions. This and any other expenses that the church agrees to pay shall be covered in the Letter of Agreement. Mileage from home to church is not reimbursed (but is tax-deductible). A deacon is restricted from holding any additional paid positions in a church where the deacon is assigned, except with written permission from the bishop. Other expenses relating to the deacon s ministry for church (e.g. books, and materials, tools) should be negotiated prior to the deacon s assignment and also stated if supported fully or partially by the church s budget in the Letter of Agreement. The parish should also provide a deacon s discretionary fund, which is subject to annual audit and must be spent on alms. Leaves There may be times when a deacon can be relieved from their ministerial duties. An application for leave should be submitted to the bishop.

Sabbatical A sabbatical offers a deacon the opportunity to be renewed through an intentional time away from ministry. It includes identified components of spiritual and intellectual growth. 1. All active assigned deacons who have served five (5) years in the Diocese of Oregon are eligible to apply for a Sabbatical. 2. A sabbatical shall ordinarily be between three (3) to twelve (12) months. 3. It is recommended that the deacon will include spiritual direction during the sabbatical term, including at least one (1) retreat held for at least three (3) days. 4. A written request for a sabbatical is submitted to the bishop, outlining the goals of the sabbatical and components of spiritual and intellectual growth. At the time of the sabbatical application, the deacon may request a grant from the diocese. If the deacon s service has been continuous in a specific parish/agency and if the deacon plans to return to ministry in that parish/agency, it may be appropriate to request financial support from that parish/agency. 5. During a sabbatical, the deacon shall not regularly attend the deacon s assigned parish. 6. The deacon will ordinarily return to his previous assignment at the completion of his sabbatical. Leave of Absence A leave of absence offers a deacon the opportunity to be temporarily relieved from the deacon s duties. Leave may be granted for reasons of health, personal problems, family commitments, temporary transfers in occupation, or temporary dislocation from the diocese. An application for a leave of absence should be submitted. During the leave, the deacon should not attend the deacon s assigned parish, perform ministerial duties, or represent the church. Inactive Status The bishop may declare Inactive Status of a deacon, due to special concerns. The deacon is expected to stay in regular communication with the bishop, to attend clergy or diaconal events whenever possible, and to maintain collegiality with the clergy community. Deacons Assigned to Congregations in Times of Transition Diaconal ministry in a time of transition is a complex and challenging undertaking. Almost every situation has special circumstances. When the priest of a congregation resigns or retires, the deacon, with the permission of the bishop and in agreement with the wardens, may elect to remain. If this is the case, these special issues must be thoroughly explored and creatively addressed by the deacon with the bishop, the wardens, and if possible, with the former priest before he or she departs; and certainly, with the bishop and wardens on a continuing basis during the transition time.

Deacon Role During Transition Unless mutually agreed upon, the role of a deacon during a transition remains unchanged. Within two months of the transition, a new Letter of Agreement should be negotiated between the deacon and the wardens of the congregation, particularly for any change in responsibilities. The deacon may be consulted on certain aspects concerning diaconal responsibilities for the church profile (e.g. pastoral care, outreach, and community ministries) but may not serve on the committee, be involved in the search process itself, or express any opinion regarding the candidates. During the transition, no matter how extended, the deacon is never to be viewed by the church leaders, parish administrator or congregation, as a decision-maker, or supply priest, but only as support for those in charge of various functions of the church, and to assist others in keeping ministries on track. Responsibility of Wardens Wardens are responsible for finding supply priests for all liturgical events where the Eucharist is required, and for weddings, baptisms, and for funerals where Eucharist is desired. Marriage counseling should be conducted by the priest who is going to be celebrating the service or in the manner that is typical for that parish. In the absence of an available priest, the deacon may provide baptismal counseling. Assignment of Interim, Priest-in-Charge or Rector When an interim, priest-in-charge, vicar or rector is called to that parish, the bishop, in consultation with the deacon, will reassess the deacon s assignment situation. Deacon Responsibilities Practicing a Rule of Life The deacon will engage in regular worship and prayer practices, study of Scripture, an annual retreat, and Spiritual Direction. Tithing As a matter of spiritual wellness, a deacon is expected to commit to donating a regular financial gift to the church to which he/she is assigned, to a social service ministry of his or her choice, or to a diocesan outreach ministry. Clergy Collegiality Deacons are expected to engage both spiritually and socially with other clergy of the diocese at events such as convocation meetings, clergy convention, and clergy days, and Bishop s Day with the Deacons, unless excused by the bishop. Continuing Education Deacons are expected to engage in lifelong formation through regular study of scripture and literature. The annual letter to the bishop should include identification of continuing education undertaken in the past year, and may include independent study, classes through the diocese or other resources, clergy and leadership conferences.

Relocation When a deacon relocates to or from another diocese and wishes to continue in diaconal service, he/she must apply to both the former diocese and the new diocese for change of status before resuming the duties of a deacon. Retirement Retirement Letter The age for retirement set forth in the canons is 72. A deacon is ordained for life but is expected to submit a letter to the bishop at age 72, either retiring, or requesting one-year extension of service. Unless the bishop grants an annual extension in writing, a deacon will be retired from parish ministry at age 72. Upon retirement, a deacon ceases parish leadership at any parish. At the direct request of the priest, a deacon may occasionally function as deacon in a liturgy. This is not designed to be regular, or consistent. Regardless of whether a deacon retires from active parish ministry, a deacon may request to continue diaconal community ministry after retirement. This ministry would involve, wearing clericals, or representing the Diocese of Oregon in the world. This should be spelled out in the retirement letter to the bishop. Nothing in this section is intended or designed to limit a retired deacon s involvement in service ministries in the world, where no position of authority or representation on behalf of the Church is held. Nothing in this section is intended or designed to hinder or discourage a retired deacon from living out and into their baptismal covenant to seek and serve Christ in all people. Church Attendance In the retirement letter, a deacon should identify where s/he intends to worship. With the concurrence of the priest and bishop, retired deacons may continue to attend services at the parish in which s/he served. The deacon cannot assume a position of leadership, or offer to do functions formerly filled by the deacon after retirement. Under some circumstances, a deacon may be asked to worship at another parish. Expectations upon Retirement Retired deacons may continue to wear clerical attire or may choose to dress in street clothes. Retired deacons are addressed as The Rev. (deacon name here) or Deacon (name). If a parish so chooses, they may continue to list the deacon on the staff section of their publications as The Rev. (deacon name here), Deacon Emeritus or Retired. Although retired deacons are welcome to attend vestry meetings, upon retirement a deacon relinquishes both seat and voice at vestry/bac meetings. Attendance at Clergy Conference and Diocesan Convention is still expected. Retired deacons who are unable to attend must request an excuse from the bishop in writing. Retired deacons retain seat, voice, and vote at Diocesan Convention as long as they remain both canonically and physically present in the diocese. Retired deacons may volunteer or be asked to participate in diocesan activities, commissions, and tasks forces. Any change of status must be

formally requested of and approved by the bishop. Retired deacons are requested to continue the practice of an annual letter to the bishop, traditionally at ordination anniversary. Annual letters may update the bishop on community and diocesan service along with changes in parish membership or place of worship. The bishop is the pastor of retired clergy as much as active clergy. Retired deacons are asked to communicate with the bishop s office when seeking pastoral care of any kind. Forms of Clerical Address Full Title: Abbreviated Title: Letter Salutation: In Conversation: The Reverend (Name), [Deacon] - optional The Rev. (Name), [Deacon] - optional Dear Deacon [Jones] Deacon [Jones] A Deacon s Charge Every Christian is called to follow Jesus Christ, serving God the Father, through the power of the Holy Spirit. God now calls you to a special ministry of servanthood directly under your bishop. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are to serve all people, particularly the poor, the weak, the sick, and the lonely. As a deacon in the Church, you are to study the Holy Scriptures, to seek nourishment from them, and to model your life upon them. You are to make Christ and his redemptive love known, by your word and example, to those among whom you live, and work, and worship. You are to interpret to the Church the needs, concerns, and hopes of the world. Book of Common Prayer, Ordination of a Deacon