PŘIJETÍ JÁHNŮ VĚŘÍCÍMI VE FARNOSTECH. PASTORÁLNĚTEOLOGICKÁ REFLEXE NA ZÁKLADĚ EMPIRICKÉHO VÝZKUMU
THE PERCEPTION OF DEACONS IN PARISHES BY THE FAITHFUL – A PASTORAL-THEOLOGICAL REFLEC-TION ON THE BASIS OF EMPIRICAL RESEARCH

Summary/Abstract: The article deals with the question of a permanent deacon in parish pastoral work. It analyses the historical development of the diaconate and the views of certain contemporary theologians on the issue of the nature and meaning of the diaconate today. It also presents the results of empirical research on the perception of deacons by believers in the Bohemian and Moravian parishes. It is shown that the diaconate is primarily associated with liturgical activities, with care for the sick, preparations for the sacraments and their administration. The deacon, “thanks” to his liturgical activity, is first and foremost perceived by believers as a “deputy priest”, which is an obstacle in the search for the identity of the permanent diaconate. Due to a lower degree of deacon ordination, less respect is paid to him in comparison with the priest, which could actually be seen as an advantage. At the same time due to his experience with family life, the deacon understands problems of marriage and raising children better. Based on these facts, the faithful see the deacon as “more popular priest”, who can more easily obtain their trust than a celibate priest. In general, the presence of a deacon in the parish is a benefit from the perspective of believers.

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