DIAKONIA - A Blog By Deacon Pat Kearns: What's Right with Christianity and Catholicism

Rule #1 - Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) - Morning and Evening

Rule #2 - Daily Mass Readings with reflection, especially of the Gospel message

Rule #3 - Daily Rosary

Rule #4 - Simple Diet - No between meal eating (Abstinence from meat on Fridays) Sundays are exempt = Day of Feast!

Rule #5 - Fasting 2 x week (Bread and Water)

Rule #6 - Adoration 1 hr / week

Rule #7 - Daily exercise

Rule #8 - Weekly Mass

Rule #9 - At least Weekly Service to the Poor / Widowed / Imprisoned / or Sick

Rule #10 - Monthly Confession

Official Disclaimer

This blog is about my Christian journey, relationships, and experiences.

The content of this website is solely the responsibility of Deacon Patrick Kearns, and does not necessarily represent the Sacramento Diocese or any other entity of the Roman Catholic Church - although I hope that none of my own writings are contrary to the doctrines of faith and morals as proposed by the Magisterium of the Church or to the truths of God as contained in the Holy Scriptures.

Links provided from this website to other websites do not imply agreement or approval of anything on the other sites, but are provided mainly for purposes entertainment, spiritual / personal growth, or humor.

Nothing on this website is intended to give offense to any other persons, groups, nations, or institutions. Please contact me if you feel otherwise and more than likely I will remove it..... My intention is to be a uniting force for Jesus Christ, People of all Nations, and the Catholic Church.

Deacon Pat's Preaching Schedule

Our Lady of Mercy Parish,
2600 Shasta View Drive, Redding CA
(unless otherwise specificed)

I will be preaching the Second weekend of each month:

Dec. 23, 2009: 6:00 pm (Evening Mass)

Jan. 09, 2010: 8:30 am,
Jan. 10, 2010: 12:00 pm (Shingletown)

Feb. 14, 2010: 8:30 am, 11:00 am

Mar. 13, 2010: 5:00 pm
Mar. 14, 2010: 12:00 pm (Shingletown)

Apr. 11, 2010: 8:30 am, 11:00 am

May 8, 2010: 5:00 pm
May 9, 2010: 12:00 pm (Shingletown)

Jun. 13, 2010: 8:30 am, 11:00 am

Please pray that I can be an authentic voice of the Gospel.

What does a Deacon Do?

The terms “Deacon” and “Diaconate” derive from the Greek word diakonia which means “service” or “ministry.” A deacon, then, is ordained by the Church for service.

But what kind of service?

The Dogmatic Constitution on the Church speaks of three areas of diaconal service: Ministry of Charity, Ministry of the Word, and Ministry of Liturgy.

Ministry of Charity

The deacon is ordained to be a witness to the Gospel through a life of service. A deacon serves through his person-to-person encounters: he ministers to the poor, the aged, the sick, prisoners. He participates in programs dealing with community problems like substance or child abuse. The deacon works with youth and young adults in various parish and/or community programs. The deacon is obliged to be a positive influence for change in the world...so that society may be renewed by Christ and transformed into the family of God.

Ministry of the Word

The deacon proclaims the Gospel. He is an agent of evangelization, that is, of announcing the Good News of Christ in society. He also preaches at liturgical gatherings: he teaches in religious education programs, sacramental preparation programs, i.e. baptism, marriage, RCIA.

Ministry of Liturgy

The deacon assists at the Eucharistic Celebration, administers baptism, witnesses marriages, officiates at wakes and funerals, administers some sacramentals, presides at prayer services, i.e. communion services and benediction.