A new association has been established to support the growing number of ordained deacons in the Catholic Church in Australia. Source: ACDA.
The statutes for the Australian Catholic Deacons Association (ACDA) were approved by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference on May 3.
ACDA has emerged from the National Association of Deacons, which was part of the National Council Priests (NCP).
President of ACDA, Deacon Tony Hoban, from Parramatta Diocese, said this was a significant moment in the life of the diaconate in Australia.
“We are grateful for the support we have received from the NCP over the past 22 years,” Deacon Hoban said.
“But the time has come for our deacons to have their own, independent association to champion our vocation, to provide collegial support to deacons and their wives and those in formation, and to offer benefits to members such as conferences and webinars that assist and inspire them in their vocation and various ministries.
“Deacons are often misunderstood by many in the Church. We are neither glorified altar servers nor mini priests. We are, in the words of the most recent Church Synod, servants of the mystery of God and the Church, through charity, the word, and the liturgy.”
Ordained deacons baptise, conduct funerals, are celebrants of marriage, proclaim the Gospel in the liturgy, preach the homily, and participate in sacramental programs. As servants of charity ordained deacons can be chaplains in hospitals, prisons, universities, armed services and visit the sick.
The executive committee of the new association comprise Deacon Hoban as president and representatives elected from the membership representing five regional groups: Deacons Tim Grauel (Adelaide); Chad Hargrave (Brisbane); Michael Hangan (Melbourne/Hobart); Bruce Talbot (Perth); and Anthony Gooley (Sydney/Canberra-Goulburn).
Membership of the association is open to deacons of the Catholic Church and Eastern Churches. Lay people can join as associate members.
Details: www.ausdeacons.asn.au.
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New association to support Catholic deacons in Australia (ACDA)
