Have you ever wondered if you are being called to the ministry of deacons?
The diaconate is a full and equal order of ministry in The Episcopal Church. Deacons work as a link between the church and the world, discerning people’s needs, hopes, and concerns, empowering faith communities to respond, speaking the truth in love, and encouraging the sacred and broken to enter into relationship with each other.
The Diocese of Washington has over 25 active deacons serving in congregations across the diocese–and God willing, we will ordain a few more this fall. We’ve come a long, fruitful way in developing this ministry, yet there is room for further growth and a hope that, one day, we’ll have deacons serving in every parish.
If you have wondered about a call to the diaconate, we invite you to mark your calendar and join us for an in-person Workshop Day on the Diaconate on Saturday, October 29 from 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (location to be determined)
The Venerable L. Sue von Rautenkranz, Archdeacon of the Diocese of Washington, along with members of the Commission on Ministry and the Standing Committee, deacons, and priests with experience serving with deacons, will share their knowledge of diaconal ministry as well as practical next-steps in a day filled with presentations, small group information sessions, and worship.
This event is required for:
- Anyone discerning a call to be a deacon
- Sponsoring clergy of person(s) discerning
- Lay representative who would serve as a member of the local discernment committee of person(s) discerning
- Congregations wishing to apply for a deacon
If you believe you may be called to the diaconate, it is never too early to be in conversation with your priest and we encourage you to read more about the process here.
For further information about this day, please contact The Venerable L. Sue von Rautenkranz or fill out this form and we will be in touch with you about registration and other information.
