The group of deacons in Exeter diocese belong to the College of St Philip the Deacon, who was always at the disposal of the Holy Spirit to go wherever he was guided, and to explain the gospel to whomever would listen. Canon Philip Mountstephen, Executive Leader of the Church Mission Society *STOP PRESS* it's just … Continue reading NOT ALL WHO WANDER ARE LOST
Category: Blog
Lessons learned in an estate context From a series of tweets by Ray Driscoll Ray Driscoll is a transitional deacon. "As my deacon year draws to a close, and I head off to a retreat tomorrow, I’ve been reflecting on what has been and thinking about what I’ve learned about ministry in an estate context. … Continue reading DEACON ON AN ESTATE: LESSONS LEARNED
I must admit to a certain amount of envy when I see how well-organised and committed the Christian Reformed Church diaconate is in Canada. They have some excellent resources for deacons, a very good website, loads of encouragement and real vision, purpose and direction. We could learn a lot from them! This is from their … Continue reading DIACONAL MINISTRY DEVELOPERS
The Association of Episcopal Deacons in the United States has recently produced a list of diaconal competencies for diaconal formation. They are undergoing revision, but here's the latest version for your interest. It is fascinating to see where their approach is similar to ours, and where it's different. You are to make Christ and his … Continue reading DIACONAL COMPETENCIES
It's wonderfully exciting to announce that the diaconal College of St Philip the Deacon (Exeter) will be attending the first-ever Sung Evensong in honour of Philip the Deacon on his feast day, 11 October this year at Exeter Cathedral. Time of the service: 5.30pm For tea and deaconversation, meet in the Cathedral cafe from 4pm! … Continue reading FIRST-EVER SUNG EVENSONG IN HONOUR OF ST PHILIP THE DEACON
Today 10 August the church celebrates the martyr, Deacon Laurence. In our intercessions, Christians like him are to be remembered, still being captured, unjustly tried, robbed of possessions, and made to suffer ghastly deaths. Lord, have mercy: and grant us the grace, courage and humour of Laurence. Laurence or Lawrence (about 225-258) was one of … Continue reading LAURENCE, DEACON AND MARTYR
Australian Bishop Tom Frame does some serious and honest thinking about the diaconate in this address to the Anglican diocese of Melbourne. It's titled "The diaconate in 2030: What might it look like and how do we get there?" by Tom Frame, Director of St Mark’s National Theological Centre and Professor of Theology at Charles … Continue reading THE DIACONATE IN 2030
Ignatian spirituality is profoundly important for many deacons, especially for his spiritual exercises. Today the church celebrates Ignatius of Loyola. St. Ignatius Loyola was born in 1491, one of 13 children of a family of minor nobility in northern Spain. As a young man Ignatius Loyola was inflamed by the ideals of courtly love and knighthood and … Continue reading FEAST DAY OF ST IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA
Chris Whinney (Diocese of Exeter) muses on the difference in his ministry from when he was a Reader compared with now, when he has been an ordained Deacon for eight years. Being a deacon as opposed to a Reader has given me a deeper sense of responsibility and commitment. This in turn I think gives … Continue reading FROM READER TO DEACON: Christopher Whinney
Last week I posted Rosalind's first paper from the International Roman Catholic - Anglican Conference on the Diaconate which took place in May in Canada. I'm so pleased to share her second paper, on the role of the Deacon in Worship. Here's a taster to whet your appetite: So the deacon offers hospitality on … Continue reading HOSPITALITY: THE DEACON IN WORSHIP. Rosalind Brown
CofE Network of Distinctive Deacons 