Once “Fringe,” Now Crucial - Capturing the Permanent Diaconate

It was once a “fringe” idea - allowing working, often-married men to assist in Catholic churches and administer some sacraments. After the Second Vatican Council reestablished the permanent diaconate as a vocation, Saint John’s University School of Theology was one of only four places in the US willing to form and educate permanent deacons. Spearheaded by Fr. Kieran Nolan, the school developed a program where working, married men from other states could complete coursework by correspondence. Today St. John’s is still proud to be one of the few programs where permanent deacons receive a Master’s degree.

As the program celebrates 50 years, the school asked us to capture the legacy and future of diaconate formation. We used extensive historical media, coordinated shoots with current deacons, and drew from our own exclusive archive to capture a complete picture of St. John’s robust and innovative history as well as the crucial role that permanent deacons will play in the future of the Church.

Video created for St. John’s University School of Theology.