Читать книгу Catholicism For Dummies - Rev. Kenneth Brighenti - Страница 132

Deacons are the clergy next in the hierarchy, right after priests. Permanent deacons are men ordained to an office in the Church who normally have no intention or desire of becoming priests. They can be single or married.

If the latter, they must be married before being ordained a deacon. If their wife dies before them, they may be ordained a priest if the bishop permits and approves. Married deacons cannot remarry if their wife dies unless they petition the pope for a dispensation (for example, when there are small children to be raised).

Transitional deacons are seminarians, students in training for the priesthood, at the last phase of their formation. After being a deacon for a year, they’re ordained a priest by the bishop.