National News

News Highlights from the Secretariat for the Diaconate

Need Information on Why and How the Diaconate was Revived in the Catholic Church? A Classic Text is Re-Released.
In 1993, the USCCB published Foundations for the Renewal of the Diaconate. This volume contains articles written by many of the leading figures that guided the renewal of the diaconate before, during and after the Second Vatican Council. The Secretariat for the Diaconate has just authorized the re-release of this book, so that it can be of service in educating all persons in the Church about the genesis of the proposal to revive the diaconate as a permanent order of ministry. Please visit www.usccb.org/publishing/diaconate.htm for more information about this text and related publications on the diaconate.

Revised Update on the National Directory for the Formation, Ministry and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States
At its June meeting in St. Louis, the full body of bishops approved the revised National Directory for the Formation, Ministry and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States. The document has been sent to the Holy See for final approval. Once that final approval is received, the text will then be officially promulgated by the USCCB and prepared for publication through the USCCB Office of Publishing and on this web site.