Six new permanent deacons for Salzburg: a service to the community

Six new permanent deacons for Salzburg: a service to the community

On the Christkönigs Sunday, November 24th, 2024, in the venerable framework of a festive liturgy Archbishop Franz Lackner Ofm has dedicated six men to constant deacons. This impressive ceremony took place in the presence of Auxiliary Bishop Hansjörg Hofer, Vicar of General Harald Mattel as well as numerous priests, deacons and believers. The presence of the community underlines the importance of this occasion.

The freshly consecrated deacons come from different regions, including the city of Salzburg, Flachgau, Tennengau and Lungau. Interestingly, almost all of them work in civilian appointments, so that their new tasks as deacons gain even more meaning. Two of them are parish assistants in the Archdiocese of Salzburg. Through their work they become bridge builders between the church and society and are given the opportunity to actively participate in community life.

Archbishop Lackner's words of encouragement

In his sermon, Archbishop Lackner emphasized the fundamental role of the deacons as "servants of the secrets of God and the Church". His appeal to the newly consecrated was particularly impressive, not to always forget the poor in their environment. "Don't forget the arms in your environment," warned Lackner. He reminded the deacons to remain open to the needs of people and to live their beliefs in practice.

Archbishop Lackner thanked the new deacons: "Thank you for your yes to your calling and to believe the church." He encouraged her with the words: "Being praying servants, so she remains in the grace of God." He gave the deacons that a close relationship with God and a prayer life are the key to a successful service. He also thanked the families of the new deacons thanks and support because they play an important role in the prayer life of the church.

The training of the constant deacons is an important aspect in the Archdiocese of Salzburg. There are currently 60 constant deacons in active service. In November, a new training course with eight participants was launched, which will cover various facets of the diaconate for over four years. Bischofsvikar Gerhard Viehhauser, as well as those responsible Jürgen Rauscher and Ernest Lindenthaler offer support and instructions during this training period.

The word "deacon" has its roots in Greek and means something like "servant". This role is also associated with a special responsibility: deacons are included in the bishop and have the task of working in the service of the Word of God and charity. According to the apostolic tradition, they receive the consecration through hand laying and prayer and usually devote themselves to the most needy and poor in society.

The diaconate is the first step within the three -part consecration order of the church. Even if the deacons may be consecrated to the priest or bishop later, their consecration as deacons remains of great importance. It is worth noting that married men can only be consecrated as constant deacons and thus take on a special form of service in the community.

The consecration not only celebrates a personal step into the Christian calling of the consecrated men, but also has a far -reaching meaning for the community in which they will work. This illustrates how important it is to have committed and believing people in religious offices who can have a positive impact on society. More details on this solemn occasion can be found in a current Report on www.kathpress.at .