Diaconate
Welcome to the Office of the Permanent Diaconate. I am Deacon Jerry Williamson and am presently the Director of Deacon Personnel and Director of Pernanent Deacon Formation for the Diocese. I was ordained June 6, 1992 and have been assigned to St. John the Evangelist Parish in Pensacola since that time. I was appointed by Bishop John H. Ricard, to my current positions in June of 2001. You can reach me at the Pastoral Center, 850-435-3531, Monday through Friday, from 8:00am till 4:00pm. My Email address is williamsong@ptdiocese.org. I hope that the following information is helpful to you in understanding the Permanent Diaconate. If there is something that we can include, which is not present, please feel free to send an Email and let me know.
OFFICE OF THE PERMANENT DIACONATE
The Office of the Permanent Diaconate currently functions in two separate areas, one for the ordained permanent deacons of the diocese and the second for those in the Formation Program. These areas are described below.
THE DIRECTOR OF DEACON PERSONNEL
Appointed by the Bishop
> Supports the personal, spiritual, and ministerial growth of the men and women of this community.
> Offers continuing education for both spiritual and ministerial growth of all deacons and wives.
> Assists in assessing the needs of church ministry in diocesan parishes, agencies and other institutions, insofar as such needs may be met by diaconal ministry.
> Provides for the professional evaluation and personal review of all deacons ministering within the diocese.
> Assists individual deacons and staffs where they minister, in the area of conflict management and arbitration.
> Fosters "consciousness awareness" on every level regarding the ministry of deacons and the potential for which they are capable in their on going and discerning ministry.
> Dialogues with the Director of Permanent Deacon Formation and provides positive input and maintains influence and presence within the formational process.
> Responsible for the overall organization and administration of the various offices, positions, committees and "ad hoc" committees, within the diaconal structure.
> Attends the Diaconate Council meetings and acts in the capacity of Chairman of the Executive Committee.
> Prepares and monitors yearly diaconal budgets.
> Supervises and evaluates positions held by deacons including the Director of Permanent Deacon Formation.
THE DIRECTOR OF PERMANENT DEACON FORMATION
Appointed by the Bishop
> Develops, modifies and maintains the Permanent Deacon Formation Program.
> Works with the director of academics and the spiritual director(s) to ensure that requirements of the program are met.
> Co-ordinates with the Deacon Formation Board to ensure scheduling and participation.
> Develops and oversees Diaconate recruitment programs.
> Oversees the admission of new associates into the Permanent Deacon Formation Program and the presentation of findings to the Formation Board.
> Keeps individuals and pastors informed as to the progress of their applicants.
> Develops and administers the budget for the Pernanent Deacon Formation Program.