The Diaconate

The Diaconate in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles

In 1971 Cardinal Manning first raised the possibility of permanent diaconate service in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.  After studying that possibility and establishing the first formation program, the ordination of the first permanent deacons in Los Angeles followed on June 7, 1975 at St. Charles Borromeo Church in North Hollywood.

Since that time, the diaconate has flourished in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles with over 400 Permanent Deacons in active ministry in the five pastoral regions of the archdiocese. Deacons are at the service of the wider Church under the guidance and direction of the Ordinary, Archbishop José H. Gomez. Those in diaconal ministry in Los Angeles represent the beautiful diversity found in Southern California.  Reflecting this diversity, Mass in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles is celebrated in 42 languages and many of our deacons are bi-lingual and bi-cultural.  This enables them to bringing to their ministry a portion of the diversity that shines through the Church in Southern California.

Now fifty years after the implementation of the permanent diaconate in the Latin Church we, here in El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora de los Angeles, are still meeting the future following the lead of the Holy Spirit. ¡Siempre Adelante!