Permanent Diaconate

Do you feel a tug at your heart to the diaconate? Deacons in our diocese share how God called them to this ministry. 

For information about discerning the diaconate, contact the Diaconate Office: 412-456-3124 or deacons@diopitt.org.

Deacons play a vital role in helping make The Church Alive! in the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh.

In addition to assisting priests at Mass and often presiding at baptisms, weddings and funerals outside of Mass, they provide pastoral care to God's people. Learn in the below videos how deacons complete Works of Mercy through their ministry.

Deacon Rick Cessar shares how a profound experience of prayer on 9/11 taught him how to minister to people who are in crisis or suffering.

Deacon Greg Jelinek never planned on becoming a teacher, but God had other plans. As a deacon, Deacon Jelinek teaches about the faith in many ways. 

Deacon Tony Giordano shares that part of a deacon's ministry is to help those who are grieving through their healing process.

Deacon Tom Berna works with Meals on Wheels to help to feed the hungry in the community.

Deacons assist priests at Mass, preach on occasion, and preside as needed at baptisms, weddings, funeral services, and other liturgical functions.

They also help provide pastoral care to people in hospitals and nursing homes, jails and prisons, and various other settings, sharing the faith by word and example.

Deacons also serve in many other ministries, including:

• Outreach to the poor, imprisoned or disadvantaged
• Teaching CCD
• Leading preparation for baptism and marriage
• Participating in Bible studies and prayer groups
• Ministering to the sick, bereaved and elderly
• Engaging in youth and young adult ministry
• Leading retreats
• Reaching out to non-practicing Catholics.