Director of Permanent Deacons

REPORTS TO: Bishop of the Diocese of London

       As a true father to them, it is the bishop’s duty to care for the permanent deacons of his diocese with particular solicitude and love.  
      This care is to be discharged either personally or through a priest or deacon acting as his delegate.  Special pastoral concern should
       always be shown to deacons in difficulty because of personal circumstances.  

BASIC FUNCTION:  
The Director of Permanent Deacons (the Director), in collaboration with and on behalf of the Bishop of London, directs the administration, ongoing formation, and pastoral care of ordained deacons in the Diocese of London.  The Director serves as a member of the Personnel Team of the Diocese and as a member of the Priest Personnel Board in planning and intervening in pastoral and ministerial assignments.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Administrative: 

• Assists the Bishop and permanent deacons in all personnel matters as defined in the Policies and Procedures for Permanent Deacons 
• Serves as Chair of the Council of Deacons 
• Participates in the screening, admission, and evaluation of aspirants and candidates to the Permanent Diaconate Formation & Study Program as a member of the Admissions and Discernment & Evaluation Committees
• Meets with candidates and pastoral supervisors to plan their 4th Year Parish Placement
• Oversees the transition of candidates for ordination to active ministry, providing education regarding policies and procedures. 
• Establishes and regularly reviews ministry of charity agreements and covenants for diaconal service between active deacons and parish families 
• Collaborates with ordained deacons and their pastor/supervisor in addressing problems, and/or concerns in the performance of their diaconal ministry
• Ensures that diaconate activities and events are disseminated with the assistance of the diocesan communications specialist
• Administers the application and transition of deacons from “Active” to “Senior” or “Retired” status
• Coordinates the process of screening and recommending incardination of deacons from other dioceses and the process of excardination of deacons requesting incardination in another diocese

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  Cf. Pope Francis, Homily at Episcopal Ordination (24 October 2013)
  National Directory for the Ministry, Formation, and Life of Permanent Deacons in Canada. (NDPDC) CCCB.       2017, n. 23
  Replaces the Diaconate Advisory Committee (see appendix)
 

• Receives, assesses, and processes requests for Letters of Good Standing for deacons who have been asked to exercise ministry in other dioceses. 
• Ensures that each deacon fulfills the expectation for ongoing formation, an annual retreat, and participation in diocesan pastoral initiatives
• Coordinates the participation and organization of deacons at diocesan liturgies, celebrations and events 
• Serves on the Personnel Team and on the Priest Personnel Board
• Reviews and makes recommendations for the revision of any diocesan policies pertaining to the ministry and life of permanent deacons

Ongoing Formation: 

• Prepares and coordinates ongoing formation activities with the Director of Permanent Diaconate Formation & Study
• Screens and distributes opportunities for ongoing formation (courses, online programs, workshops, conferences)
• Participates in the meetings, convocations, and initiatives of provincial (OCADL)  and national/international (NADD)  diaconate associations  
• Disseminates information shared and discussed at OCADL and NADD for the good of the larger diaconate community

Pastoral: 

• Ensures that deacons have access to spiritual directors
• Supports the development and dissemination of diaconate retreat opportunities
• Serves as a conduit for prayer requests and the needs of deacons and their families
• Ensures that each deacon has prepared and submitted a funeral plan
• Assists widows of deacons in coordinating the funerals of their deceased deacon husbands
• Meets and is available to deacons, spouses, and widows of deacons to listen to their ideas, opinions and concerns
• Ensures that the Bishop and Auxiliary Bishop are made aware of any pastoral needs of deacons and their families

Education and/or Experience:  
The Director is appointed by the Bishop of London based on a discernment of the necessary skills to fulfill the role.  A Masters degree in Theology (MDiv, MTS, MAPS etc.) or an equivalent combination of education and experience is preferred, however consideration will be given to a permanent deacon who has been nominated by his peers and who possesses the required competencies.  
The candidate will have facilitation and public speaking skills; be able to coordinate volunteer networks and associations; manage and supervise projects; and work collaboratively with a team.   He will have excellent communication skills, including print and media and social media. Ability to work with clergy, pastoral ministers and lay people in a confidential manner. Ability to innovate and adapt.
Typically, the Director is appointed for a 5-year renewable term.  


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  Ontario Catholic Association of Diaconate Leaders
  National Association of Diaconate Directors
  Typically there is one business meeting and one convocation per year for each of OCADL and NADD

Note: Position Closing Date is January 11, 2021.
Please send cover letter outling why you are interested in this position, resume and history of deacon work to date. Send to Mike O'Hare, Director of Human Resources: mohare@dol.ca.