"Receive the Gospel of Christ, whose herald you now are. Believe
what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach."

Welcome to the Website of the Permanent Diaconate in Australia.

In the Acts of the Apostles we read how the Apostles chose ‘seven men of good reputation, filled with the Holy Spirit and with wisdom’ to help them in their ministry of service. The need arose because a particular minority group (the ‘Hellenists’) was being neglected. ‘The whole assembly approved of this proposal’ and the people ‘presented them to the Apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them’ (Acts 6:1-6). One of their number, Stephen, bears witness to his faith in martyrdom. Another, Philip, preaches the Good News and baptises (Acts 7, 8).

Deacons in today’s Church in Australia are called to continue these ministries of service, to meet people where they are, and especially on the margins. They are ordained to preach and to baptise. They help the local bishop to embody the Church's call to service. They are signs of Jesus who came ‘not to be served, but to serve’ (Mt. 20, 28).

I hope your visit to the Website will help you understand something more of this important and valuable ministry.

Bishop Don Sproxton

Auxiliary Bishop of Perth, Western Australia
President, National Catholic Commission for Clergy Life and Ministry