Nearly fifty years after the restoration of the permanent diaconate, there is still a sense among many contemporary theologians that the theology of the diaconate, and by extension its identity and mission, requires significant development. Drawing on the expertise of eight distinguished theologians, this collection of essays offers a unique insight into the many facets of the character of the deacon. The essays are divided into four areas: the diaconate and Scripture, tradition, prayer, and action. It is reasonable to conclude that, to contribute more effectively to the mission of the Church, the diaconate must rediscover and deepen its own particular identity. Consequently, before one can consider how the diaconate contributes to the Church's mission in terms of ministry, it is first necessary to understand what the diaconate is. This book will not only serve as a dynamic resource for the intellectual and spiritual formation of deacons, but it will also secure for the deacon who has ministered for many years what he only glimpsed at the beginning of his ministry--Christ called him into a vocation that is fuller and richer than he could have ever believed. +