Permanent Diaconate
Nearly 300 deacons fulfill the sacramental sign of the church by serving at masses, in their parish communities, and across the Archdiocese of Atlanta. On top of this selfless calling, they continue to work full-time jobs and support their families. Without our Deacons, we could not accomplish our mission of uplifting and supporting our people in the archdiocese and local community.
The road to becoming a Deacon is a long yet rewarding journey. After receiving a recommendation letter from their pastor and going through a rigorous interview process, these men immerse themselves in six years of Aspirancy and academics. For most of them, this is while continuing to lead their families and advance their careers.
Having Deacons in our parishes greatly helps our limited number of Priests spread the work that makes our Archdiocese function and give back at its highest level. By using their unique gifts, they commit to being the hands and feet of Christ by performing outreach such as serving at multiple masses, visiting inmates at local prisons, comforting patients at hospitals, or volunteering at events such as our Eucharistic Congress. These men, from workplaces and families like ours, bridge the gap between the church and our community.
As these Deacons train and faithfully serve our churches and area, an impactful way we can support them is through their Deacon Assistance Fund. This fund uplifts our Deacons as they face unexpected financial challenges including family emergencies and medical bills. It is our way of showing appreciation for them during difficult times when they and their families sacrifice so much for our church.
Our Deacons display the fullness of the sacrament of Holy Orders. They represent the diversity of the archdiocese and humbly work to support us and our parishes without acclaim for their actions. It’s important to pray and encourage them as they develop through formation and place themselves in the heart of our churches.
“We have seen such a beautiful transformation in these men allowing themselves to open up their lens of what it means to serve and who I am called to serve. We are called to serve where we are needed.”
—Deacon Dennis Dorner
January 6, 2025
“My family gives every year to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, and I encourage everyone to give because of the many great charities that the gifts support, with exceptional support for our seminarians and priests. Without our priests, we could not have Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. Where would any of us be without receiving Jesus in the Eucharist?”
January 6, 2025
“Part of every Catholic’s responsibility is to work against society’s culture of “Me” and adopt the Christ-like culture of “We and Thee.” By supporting local charities, parishes, and the Archdiocese with prayers and financial resources we act as Christ did, putting others’ needs first and in doing so are responding to the Universal Call to Holiness.”
Congrats to the Archdiocese of Atlanta’s newly ordained deacons!
February 1, 2025
