Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

 We have been reading from the Acts of the Apostles during the post-Pentecost season and can see how under the power and influence of the Holy Spirit the structure of the Church is taking shape.  The Apostles, very much aware of their duty and responsibility to shepherd and guide the infant Church, prayerfully respond to the particular needs of individuals and the various communities of disciple, both Jew and Gentile.  The power entrusted to them is now passed on to the first order of the Priesthood by the creation of deacons (diakonia-service) who will share some of the power, though not all, in order to bring care to those in need and share in the mission of evangelizing the world.  In today’s Reading we hear of their service to the poor and in time their duties will be expanded to preaching the Gospel, Baptizing, witnessing marriages, burying the dead and ,of course, assisting at the Altar.  Over the course of time further duties are entrusted to them in regards to church administration.

      Deacons are not empowered to offer Mass, hear confessions and absolve from sin, Confirm, and anoint the sick.  These are reserved for the order of Presbyters, or priests.   With the Presbyterate bishops ordain men as an extension of themselves with the same sacramental authority with the exception of the power to Ordain.  This tri-level hierarchy is the Holy Spirit’s design for serving the Church.  The term hierarchy has often been misrepresented in today’s lexicon.  The Greek word “hieros” means priest and so it properly refers to the levels of Priesthood Not secular levels of powerbroking.

      This reminds us to be always aware to carefully use the words we speak in their proper context and not according to the misappropriated trends of the day.

With Blessings,

Father Langan