Ministry Agreements
Dear Brother Deacons,
Yes, it’s that time again! Another year has gone by, and it’s time to sit down with our pastors or ministry supervisors to review 20XX-20XX and plan for 20XX-20XX. As we work toward compliance with the National Directory on the Diaconate, it is important that we have all records as accurate as possible. Therefore, it is essential that we have a current ministerial agreement for each deacon who has faculties. Please note that even if you fill out the forms electronically, they must be printed, signed the old-fashioned way by you, your pastor (and your spouse if appropriate), and mailed to this office. The following are the necessary forms:
1. Annual Ministry Report
This form is to be filled out by all deacons including those whose status is Retired. Tell us what your ministry has been like this past year. Complete the form and return it either separately or with your Ministry Agreement. This form should be signed by both you and your pastor or supervisor. You must return this form to remain in good standing in this Archdiocese.
2. Parish Ministry Agreement and/or Special Ministry Agreement
These two forms are to be filled out only by the deacons whose status is Active. Both forms have been included. If your ministry is only in the parish, use the Parish Ministry Agreement; if your ministry is only outside the parish (jail, hospital, etc.) use the Special Ministry Agreement. If you are involved in ministry both in the parish and outside the parish, you will need to fill out both forms. This form must be signed by you, your pastor/supervisor, and your wife, if you are married. You must return this form to remain in good standing in this Archdiocese. When completed, make copies for yourself and your pastor/supervisor before sending the original to this office. Please note that these two agreements will be good for three years.
Parish Ministry Agreement for Retired Deacons
3. Deacon Ministry Evaluation
This form is to be filled out only by the deacons whose status is Active. Your pastor/supervisor should complete this form and discuss it with you. We encourage you to use this as a tool for you and your pastor/supervisor to review the past year and to examine your gifts as well as to explore areas for growth in your ministry and skills. Please note that this form is to be signed and returned. New directives require that periodic evaluations be included in a deacon’s personnel file.
4. Deacon Profile Update
The form will be online soon. Please contact the Office of the Permanent Diaconate to update.
To summarize, if your status is as follows:
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Active – Must fill out Deacon Profile Update (if any changes), Deacon Annual Report, Parish Ministry Agreement and/or Special Ministry Agreement, Deacon Ministry Evaluation.
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Retired – Must fill out Deacon Profile Update (if any changes), Parish Ministry Agreement for Retired Deacons, Deacon Annual Report.
- Leave of Absence – Must fill out Deacon Profile Update (if any changes), Deacon Annual Report.
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Transferred out – Must fill out Deacon Profile Update (if any changes), Deacon Annual Report.
I also would like to close by saying I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the wonderful service you all have done and continue to do. Our archdiocese is truly blessed to have so many generous people serving the people of God as deacons.
Your Servant in Christ,
Deacon Phillip Jackson
Office of Ministry and Life, Director
Suitability for Ministry Letter
When requesting to minister outside of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston for weddings, funerals, baptisms, etc., you must request a Letter of Suitability, in writing, or via email, for each event. These requests MUST be submitted to the Office of the Permanent Diaconate.
Please use the following link: https://archgh.swoogo.com/DeaconSuitability