Fr. Michael Kwatera, OSB, helps deacons comprehend, share, and effectively perform their ministry by providing both spiritual and functional support. This short work is directed to all deacons, both permanent and transitional, in the hope that it will promote their formation for service within the church's Eucharist, other sacramental rites, and communal prayer. Contents include explanations of the deacon’s role in various church situations and liturgies—such as confirmation and marriage—as well as outside of the Mass setting, such as ministering to the sick. With "Petitions for Deacons from Ancient Liturgies" and historical background, this book provides an interesting and informative look at the deacon’s role in the Catholic Church.

Fr. Michael Kwatera, OSB, PhD, is director of Oblates for Saint John’s Abbey, Collegeville, Minnesota. He’s a teacher and practitioner of Christian liturgy and the author of several Liturgical Press books, including Come to the Feast: Liturgical Ministry of, by, and for Everybody.