Deacons Survey:
Deacons Survey
2023 Report
Summary
In 2023, 143 deacons of the Archdiocese responded to a survey conducted by the Office of the Diaconate. This inaugural survey compiled information on the depth and breadth of the ministry of the permanent deacons. This data provides an overview of the significant contributions that deacons make in the life of our families of parishes, our communities and our Archdiocese. It also shines a light on the dedication of our Archdiocesan deacons, their love of the Church and their desire to fulfill their vocational mission to serve the people of God.
The Permanent Diaconate
In the Archdiocese of Cincinnati
Service
5,142
Weekday
Masses
per year
8,838
Vigil & Sunday
Masses
per year
12
Families without deacons
47
Families with deacons
Ministry of The Word
The contributions of permanent deacons to the life of the Church are as diverse as the deacon population itself. While most permanent deacons are still employed at full-time careers to support themselves and their families, they generously give of their time and talents for the benefit of their Family of Parishes and beyond. Through their Ministry of the Word, deacons pray, preach, teach and serve as spiritual leaders in their communities.
Preaching
1,449
Weekday liturgies preached
per year
1,401
Sunday liturgies preached
per year
Educational And Instructional Ministries
Top 5 Ministries
Marriage preparation
2904 Hours
RCIA
2029 Hours
Adult faith formation programs
1912 Hours
CCD/PSR program
1010 Hours
Other ministries include teen/high school ministry, baptism preparation, alter server instruction, miscellaneous parish education, EMHC instruction, lector instruction, and early childhood education
Prayers Services and Retreats - Family of Parishes
Top 5 Services
Bible study leader/participant
1403 Hours
Parish prayer services
1292 Hours
Men’s ministry
983 Hours
Small faith community leader/participant
966 Hours
Retreats (CRHP/Welcome and others)
883 Hours
Ministry of The Liturgy
While a deacon is most visible during the celebration of the Mass, his liturgical ministry includes other sacramental and spiritual dimensions. Deacons function as ministers at baptisms, weddings, funeral services and many other areas of parish life, including the celebration of the Eucharist.
Prayers Services and Retreats - Family of Parishes
Ministry of Charity
A deacon’s service extends well beyond the church building itself, to include the full parish family and the broader community. The Ministry of Charity fulfills our Lord’s instruction “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature” (Mk 16:15). Deacons make significant contributions to the community in numerous areas for the benefit of God’s people.
Parish And Non Parish Based Ministries
Top Services
Distribution of Holy Communion to the homebound/nursing homes
3764 Hours
Poor per homeless/disadvantaged per food pantry ministry
3117 Hours
Prison ministry
1428 Hours
St. Vincent de Paul
1055
Hours
Hospital/Hospice chaplaincy
830
Hours
Other ministries include spiritual direction (giving, not receiving), Knights of Columbus, mentoring (giving not receiving), social justice/social action, ministry with domestic or worldwide missions, grief support ministry, pro-life ministry, recovery group ministry (alcohol, drugs, etc), scouting chaplaincy, and sports team chaplaincy
Parish And Non Parish Based Ministries
Number of hours
per year
Bookkeeping/financial services
1622
Sacristan
1331
Annulment processing/procurator
1054
General administrative
950
Mass coordination and scheduling
776
Worship/Liturgy Committee
621
Property Maintenance
582
Parish Council
562
Member of Family Leadership Team
547
Bereavement team (not serving as deacon)
321
Art and environment team
306
Wedding coordination (not marriage prep)
269
SafeParish coordinator
145
Finance Committee
137
Ministry to the engaged (not marriage prep)
103
Other Ministry
85
Liaison to sports teams/boosters
34
Number of hours
per year
Thank you to all the men serving
our diocese as permanent deacons!
Are you called to serve as a deacon?
- Review the information on the vocation of a deacon on the Diaconate page of the Archdiocesan website.
- Review the discernment information on the page “A Life of Service”.
- Pray earnestly about a possible vocation. Ask the Lord to open your heart to HIS will as opposed to your own desires.
- Talk to your spouse if you are married. Talk to other deacons and their spouses that you know.
- Contact the Office of the Diaconate of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. The Director will help you understand the discernment process and can guide you through the steps of the formation process.
