Are deacons volunteers?
Deacons are not volunteers. They serve in the parish by virtue of their ordination and their promise to show respect and obedience to their ordinary. Deacons are permanent, official, and visible representatives of the Roman Catholic Church of Phoenix and the parish to which they have been appointed by the bishop. Deacons are classified as unsalaried clergy, and in that sense, are members of the staff. Deacons, therefore, are included in communications to the professional staff and are ordinarily participants at staff meetings; serve on committees, and otherwise participant in the organizational aspects of the parish. Most deacons hold secular jobs and may not be available for staff meetings and committee meetings during the workday.
