It’s been 20 years since the last group of deacons was accepted into the permanent diaconate program. The program was closed in 1985 by former Arlington Bishop John R. Keating because there was no longer a need for more deacons with as many as five in one parish. But things have changed.

In September, Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde, after assessing the needs of the diocese, reopened the permanent diaconate program. This news was announced by Father Rank Ready, vicar general for pastoral services, at the September priest’s meeting.

The program ran from 1975-85, and during that tenure and was closed twice. The first closure was in 1980 by former Arlington Bishop Thomas J. Welsh. It was reopened in 1981 but closed again in 1985.

Several information nights for interested men will be held at various parishes throughout the diocese. The first one will be held at St. Leo the Great Parish in Fairfax on Nov. 10 at 7:30 p.m. Any interested men are invited to come and learn more.

The 44 deacons now serving in the diocese were ordained between 16 and 30 years ago. Since the last class was ordained in 1989, the diocese has received more than 140 inquiries. Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde, who annually hosts a dinner for deacons and their wives, has determined that it is time to reopen the program.

"We need new deacons, new blood," said Deacon Tom Bello, from St. James Parish in Falls Church, explaining that there are now many parishes without deacons.

According to Father Ready, each Catholic is called to charity, but the deacon is the one sent as an ordained minister to those in need. He is often called to go to the homes of parishioners, something a priest could not do by himself.

"I carry the Church with me when I go to a hospital," Bello said, adding that the bishop is called to be a leader, the priest is called to the sacraments and the deacon is called to service.

Married permanent deacons are called to live a dual vocation to marriage and as a part of the clergy. The wife is an important part of the process. She must sign a letter agreeing that she will support her husband in his ministry.

Liturgically, the deacon assists the bishop and priests during Mass. He has the special job of proclaiming the Gospel and is authorized to preach.

"He is the link between the priest and the people," said Father Ready.

Deacons may perform a blessing during eucharistic adoration and preside at the liturgy of the hours, wakes and grave site services. Sacramentally, he can baptize as well as officiate at weddings and bless marriages.

"I really love being a deacon," said Bello. "It’s been a great journey of faith for me." He has been married to his wife, Judy, for 33 years and has been a deacon for 18.

"Every marriage is a balance of what goes on outside the family and inside the family," Bello said. This is true for deacons as well, but growing closer to God helps the other areas of life.

"When I’m a better deacon, I’m a better husband," he said. "The better I am a husband and father, the better deacon I become."

Deacon Sam Taub chose to become a deacon so he could remain active in service to others.

"It’s been a wonderful 33 years of giving service," Taub said. While he is technically retired, Taub assists at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington. He and his wife, Phyllis, also travel around the country leading retreats for other deacons and their wives.

"It has strengthened our marriage," said Taub, explaining that the sacraments of marriage and holy orders complement each other.

The secret to living this dual vocation is ordering priorities. Taub said his first priority is always to his wife and family. After that, he splits his time evenly between his job and his diaconate duties.

Taub remembers one night when he came home, and his wife asked if she could make an appointment to see him. He knew immediately that his priorities had gone askew and worked to change the situation.

Through their 60 years of marriage, Phyllis has supported her husband.

"I couldn’t have survived without her support," he said.

The first group of candidates will begin formation next year. After an application is submitted, there is a screening process where the applicant and his wife are interviewed.

After primary acceptance in May 2006, the candidate and his wife continue in formation by attending permanent diaconate workshops while home visits and family assessments are made. Through this first year, the couple is constantly discerning whether this is the right path for them.

The bishop grants final acceptance in December 2006 before candidates begin coursework at Notre Dame Graduate School in Alexandria in 2007.

The four-year program includes core classes on Scripture, dogmatic theology, moral theology and homiletics while centering around spiritual, theological and pastoral formation.

The first group of deacons is scheduled to be ordained in December 2010 and begin their assignments in January 2011. This process will be repeated every two years.

For more information about the diaconate program contact Father Ready at 703/841-3857. Applications are available through e-mail.