The Office of the Permanent Diaconate is committed to serving the diverse needs of the Diocese of Orlando in the local parishes and surrounding communities. Through the Diaconate’s ministry of Word, Liturgy and Charity, Deacons proclaim, teach, and live the Word of God.  They prepare couples for the Sacrament of Matrimony, presiding as witness to their covenantal vows.  Deacons prepare parents and Godparents bringing their children for the Sacrament of Baptism and performing the Rite of Baptism for children.  Further, Deacons care for the dead and console those whom mourn as they preside over wake services and internments.  While most parishioners are aware of these ministerial responsibilities, it is in the Deacon’s Ministry of Charity, where the Deacon becomes the visible sign and Icon of Christ the Servant in the world.  He lives the Word of God in his everyday life with family, work, and a variety of community services: feeding, clothing, and sheltering the poor; visiting the incarcerated and the sick in their homes, hospitals, and nursing homes. In recognition of the growing need for the formation, ministry and life of the permanent deacons within the Diocese of Orlando, the Office of the Permanent Diaconate has established a Reserve Fund with The Catholic Foundation of Central Florida for the purpose of:

• providing partial scholarships for deacon aspirants or candidates who cannot meet the financial obligations of their initial formation;
• providing partial scholarships for deacons or the wife of a deacon enrolling in certifying courses as Spiritual Directors, Chaplains, Tribunal Advocates, or other specialized certifications; and
• supporting other formative programs initiated by the Office of the Permanent Diaconate that benefit the corporal and spiritual needs of the Diocese.

A Reserve Fund allows dollars to be managed in socially responsible investments, in accordance with our Catholic values, over a specific time horizon to allow for growth of the Fund.  Donations of cash, IRA qualified charitable distributions, appreciated assets and even estate gifts made to this Fund will also be invested for growth and withdrawn as needed to support the ministerial work of the permanent diaconate. If you are interested in helping us grow this Reserve Fund to strengthen and provide long-term support of the permanent diaconate, prayerfully consider a donation which can be made below on this page or by contacting Madelyn Weed at The Catholic Foundation of Central Florida at (407) 246-7188 or mweed@cfocf.org.