Deacon Jack Ames, Project Rachel volunteer and educator, dies at 74 February 12, 2026By Jay Sorgi Special to the Catholic Review Filed Under: deacons, Feature, Local News, News, Obituaries Deacon John “Jack” Ames Jr., who helped the healing pathway of hundreds of people who have endured the post-abortion journey and who served in ministry at St. Agnes in Catonsville, died Feb. 8. He was 74.
Arlington celebrates first ‘harvest’ from its Hispanic diocesan diaconate program February 5, 2026By Marietha Góngora V. OSV News Filed Under: deacons, News, World News After completing the two-year aspirancy stage of the Diocese of Arlington’s Hispanic Permanent Diaconate Program, the first group formally presented themselves as candidates ready to continue their formation process, which is expected to culminate in four years with their ordination as deacons.
Deacon Lee Benson, who ministered in Harford County, dies at 73 February 3, 2026By Kurt Jensen Special to the Catholic Review Filed Under: deacons, Feature, Local News, News, Obituaries Deacon Lee Ashby Benson III, who served St. Ignatius Parish in Hickory as an influential, joyful figure for nearly two decades, died Jan. 23.
Radio Interview: Inside the diaconate December 22, 2025By Catholic Review Staff Filed Under: CR Radio, deacons, Feature, Local News, News, Radio Interview, Vocations On this episode of Catholic Review Radio, George Matysek explores the diaconate from its apostolic origins to its modern-day expression. The program begins with Father Michael Foppiano, pastor of St. Mark in Fallston and director of the permanent diaconate for the Archdiocese of Baltimore, who addresses common misunderstandings about permanent and transitional deacons, explains their liturgical role at Mass and outlines the formation process for men discerning this vocation.
Deacon Page, known for his multi-faceted service, dies at 85 December 19, 2025By Kurt Jensen Special to the Catholic Review Filed Under: deacons, Feature, Local News, News, Obituaries Deacon David Anthony Page Sr. worked in every role possible for a deacon during his 16 years of service at St. Joseph Parish in Odenton.
A Vatican commission recently said ‘no’ to women deacons. Two members of the commission explain why December 5, 2025By Gina Christian OSV News Filed Under: deacons, News, Vatican, World News A newly released Vatican commission report on the issue of women deacons ultimately shows the profound theological mystery of Christ’s relationship to the church, as well as the rediscovery of the long-dormant diaconate itself, experts told OSV News.
Papal commission votes against ordaining women deacons December 4, 2025By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service Filed Under: deacons, Feature, News, Vatican, World News A commission set up by Pope Francis to study women deacons has voted against the possibility of ordaining women deacons while also supporting more study on the issue.
Over 20,000 permanent deacons serve church, but death, retirement bring overall number down June 16, 2025By Gina Christian OSV News Filed Under: deacons, Feature, News, Vocations, World News The nation’s Catholic permanent deacons were estimated to number more than 20,000 in 2024 — but “as is the case with priests in the United States, there are not enough new permanent deacons being ordained to make up for the numbers who are retiring from active ministry and dying each year,” according to a new report.
For deacon headed to Boston Marathon, running is a healing, spiritual encounter April 18, 2025By Nikki Rajala OSV News Filed Under: deacons, News, Sports, World News When Deacon Vincent Charles is on a training run and meets a car, instead of waving a greeting, he now offers them the Sign of the Cross.
Deacons are called to selflessness, men ordained at Jubilee Mass are told February 23, 2025By Justin McLellan Catholic News Service Filed Under: deacons, Feature, News, Vatican, World News The Feb. 23 ordination Mass at the Vatican was the culmination of a three-day Holy Year celebration that drew thousands of deacons, plus their wives and others, from more than 100 countries to Rome for communal prayer, discussion and celebration of the diaconate.
Corpus Christi embraces new mission of campus, marriage ministries November 6, 2024By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: Colleges, deacons, Feature, Local News, News, Seek the City to Come Corpus Christi’s status as an independent parish will soon change as the Bolton Hill faith community prepares to join with the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in a combined parish seated at the basilica.
Analysis: Permanent deacons are key to a ‘synodal missionary church’ — the synod needed them October 25, 2024By Kimberly Heatherington OSV News Filed Under: Commentary, deacons, Synodality Most of the world’s dioceses do not have permanent deacons as envisioned by Vatican II — in fact, the United States alone accounts for almost 21,000 of the some 50,000 permanent deacons globally in the Catholic Church today.
