Called and Caffeinated The Two Most Misunderstood Calls in Catholicism feat. Deacon Gerard Anthony
“Jesus was a deacon, and also a consecrated single person! Most people don’t think about that- talk about imitation of Christ!” *dies laughing*
Discovering you’re not called to a vocation you're attached to can feel like God is breaking up with you. Deacon Gerard Anthony knows- he thought he was called to marriage, then religious life, then priesthood… until he realized his calling was none of those. He is called to what I believe are the two most misunderstood calls in Catholicism: the Diaconate and Consecrated Virginity.
What are those? Are those real things? Yup. Did you know that several deacons were elevated to pope, that there was a golden age of the Diaconate in Church history, and that deacons are the arm of charity in the Body of Christ? (and, as Deacon Gerard himself says, “liturgical eye candy!”) This episode is packed full of fascinating tidbits that I, even as a lifelong Catholic, NEVER heard. We also talk about how the human need for intimacy can be fulfilled in the consecrated single life.
There was so much to cover on being a Deacon that we didn’t get to go in depth about consecrated singles…but don’t worry. I’m gonna get to that in a future episode ;)
Topics Discussed
- What is a deacon?
- History of the diaconate
- Life and ministries as a permanent deacon
- How to know if you’re called to singlehood and/or the diaconate
Links
- The Deacon: Icon of Christ and Icon of Hope by Deacon Gerard Anthony