Deacons and Vatican II: The Making of a Servant Church
Ebook
Overview
The Second Vatican Council committed the Catholic Church to the service of the world when it defined the church to be missionary by nature and a sacrament pointing to and making Christ present to all. Such a vision of the church informed the restoration of the permanent diaconate within the ministerial life of the church--a vocation and participation in Holy Orders endowed precisely with the charism of service. Deacons are called and ordained to serve in the areas of sacrament, word, and charity. This work considers the place and role of deacons in the life of the contemporary church through the lens of the ecclesiological reforms of the Second Vatican Council. Via their preaching, teaching, and sacramental ministry, deacons are uniquely gifted and positioned to empower the lay faithful and advance the church's engagement with the world, commitment to ecumenism and interreligious dialogue, promotion of peace, and championing of human dignity.
“Michael J. Tkacik’s Deacons and Vatican II serves as a
must-read not only for deacons, but for all who seek understanding
of that momentous church council, especially the council’s
challenge that all Christians are to serve in diverse ways.
Tkacik’s theological insights reflect his many years of conciliar
scholarship and of teaching diakonia among diaconal
candidates. This work also includes a current analysis of Pope
Francis’ teachings on diakonia.”
—James T. Cross, Asst. Professor of Theology, Saint Leo
University
"The restoration of the permanent diaconate by the Second
Vatican Council is a significant part of preparing churches for a
renewed apostolate in today's divided world. This well-crafted book
will appeal not only to deacons but to bishops and laity in all
Christian denominations, whether of conservative or liberal
bent."
—Richard Penaskovic, Emeritus Professor, Auburn University
“In this important work, Dr. Tkacik provides profound
insights into the historical and theological roots of the permanent
diaconate in building up a servant church. This book is a gift to
all who seek a deeper understanding of ecclesial
servanthood.”
—Deacon John Alvarez, Director of Diaconal Formation, Diocese of
St. Petersburg
“Michael Tkacik’s latest work is a powerful contribution
to the theological literature on the diaconate. It is especially
valuable as the renewed diaconate celebrates the first fifty years
of its restoration as a permanent order of ministry in the life of
the church. Dr. Tkacik’s keen analysis, pastoral sensitivity, and
ecclesial vision offer both challenge and encouragement for the
ongoing development of a truly diaconal ecclesiology, a truly
servant church.”
—William Ditewig, Executive Professor of Theology at Santa Clara
University
“Deacons and students will enjoy reflecting on Vatican II with a
highly favored professor as he looks back on years of teaching and
looks ahead to years of continued renewal in the diaconate
ministry.”
—Thomas L. Humphries, Jr., Saint Leo University
Product Details
- Title : Deacons and Vatican II: The Making of a Servant Church
- Author: Tkacik, Michael J.
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Publication Date: 2018
- ISBN: 9781532648212
Michael J. Tkacik is Associate Professor of Theology at Saint
Leo University in Florida. Dr. Tkacik has also served as the
Secretary for Ministries for the Diocese of St. Petersburg. He
holds a BA in Religion and Philosophy from Auburn University, an MA
in Theology from Providence College, and a PhD in Systematic
Theology from Duquesne University. His professional interests
include the sacramentology and ecclesiology of Vatican II,
ecumenism, and interreligious dialogue.